Ex Jets' Mecole Hardman Playing in NBA Celebrity All-Star Game
Kansas City Chiefs receiver Mecole Hardman is enjoying the perks of being a champion. After scoring the Super Bowl-winning touchdown in overtime, Hardman has been the toast of the town.
His rise to stardom – from New York Jets castaway to football immortality – has defined his fifth NFL season and put him on the radar. As such, he’ll be taking the national stage again.
On Friday, Hardman will participate in the NBA Celebrity All-Star Game, festivities that help mesh the most notable of the sports world and entertainment industry.
Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. (12) celebrates after scoring the winning touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during overtime in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Hardman is one of four NFL stars on the All-Star roster. According to Adam Schefter, Hardman will join a team coached by ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, who’s recovering from an ankle injury he suffered at practice. He’ll be joined by Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons, Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua, and Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Hardman may be a bit of a peculiar pick given his recent ascension and lack of pedigree compared to his NFL counterparts at the event. However, he is the only one with a Super Bowl ring to his name. As a member of Kansas City’s dynasty, Hardman has three rings to his name.
On Sunday, Hardman caught all three of his targets for 57 yards and that fateful score. He finished the year with the Chiefs, racking up 14 catches for 118 yards and a touchdown in six games. He was traded from New York for a swap of late-round 2025 NFL Draft picks after catching just one pass for six yards.
What he lacks in a long-term track record, he certainly doesn't have in anonymity. Super Bowl 58 was the most-watched telecast since the moon landing 55 years ago, posting 123.7 million viewers in the United States.
Those looking to tune into the All-Star event in Indianapolis can find it at 7 p.m. (ET) on ESPN.
