NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The Super Bowl matchup between Philadelphia and Kansas City isn’t lacking for star power.
Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are among the most recognized players in the NFL thanks to their stellar play, numerous commercials and Kelce’s pop star girlfriend, and the Chiefs have become perhaps the league’s most visible franchise thanks to their recent dynastic run.
The Eagles also have been mainstays near the top of the NFL these past few seasons, with big-name players like Saquon Barkley, Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown generating plenty of headlines.
But if history is any indication, some lesser-known players could have a big impact on the Super Bowl on Sunday. Mecole Hardman caught the winning TD pass for Kansas City in overtime in last year’s win over San Francisco, and it was Kadarius Toney who had a TD catch and long punt return that proved crucial in beating the Eagles two years ago.
That’s been the case over the history of the Super Bowl, whether it was unheralded MVPs like Larry Brown, Dexter Jackson or Malcolm Smith; Jack Squirek’s pick-6 for the Raiders in Super Bowl 18 against Washington; Timmy Smith’s 204 yards rushing in his first career start for Washington against Denver in Super Bowl 22; or David Tyree’s helmet catch that helped the Giants spoil New England’s bid for a perfect season in Super Bowl 42.