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Mecole Hardman

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Mecole Hardman
refer to caption
Hardman with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019
No. 17 – Kansas City Chiefs
Position:Wide receiver / Kickoff returner
Personal information
Born: (1998-03-12) March 12, 1998 (age 26)
Bowman, Georgia, U.S.
Height:5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Weight:187 lb (85 kg)
Career information
High school:Elbert County
(Elberton, Georgia)
College:Georgia (2016–2018)
NFL draft:2019 / round: 2 / pick: 56
Career history
Roster status:Injured Reserve
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of Week 7, 2024
Receptions:171
Receiving yards:2,262
Receiving touchdowns:16
Rushing yards:166
Rushing touchdowns:3
Return yards:1,764
Return touchdowns:2
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Carey Mecole Hardman Jr. (born March 12, 1998) is an American professional football wide receiver and return specialist for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs and was selected by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft. He has won Super Bowl LIV, Super Bowl LVII, and Super Bowl LVIII with the Chiefs. In Super Bowl LVIII, Hardman scored the game-winning walk-off touchdown in overtime. Hardman has also briefly played for the New York Jets.

Early life

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Hardman attended Elbert County High School in Elbert County, Georgia.[1] A five-star recruit, he committed to the University of Georgia to play college football.[2]

College career

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Hardman played at Georgia from 2016 to 2018.[3] During his career, he had 60 receptions for 961 yards and 11 touchdowns.[4] As a return specialist, he had 39 punt returns for 592 yards and a touchdown and 35 kick returns for 875 yards.[5] One significant touchdown came in his sophomore year against Alabama in the College Football Playoff National Championship. He caught an 80-yard pass from Jake Fromm in the third quarter of the 26–23 overtime loss.[6] After his junior season, he decided to forgo his senior year and enter the 2019 NFL draft.[7]

College statistics

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Season Team GP Receiving Rushing
Rec Yds Avg TD Att Yds Avg TD
2016 Georgia 4 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 0
2017 Georgia 15 25 418 16.7 4 8 61 7.6 2
2018 Georgia 14 35 543 15.5 7 5 36 7.2 0
Career 33 60 961 16.0 11 13 97 7.5 2

Professional career

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Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
5 ft 10+1⁄4 in
(1.78 m) 		187 lb
(85 kg) 		30+1⁄4 in
(0.77 m) 		9 in
(0.23 m)		 4.33 s 1.48 s 2.57 s 4.25 s 6.75 s 36.5 in
(0.93 m)		 9 ft 11 in
(3.02 m)		 17 reps
All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day[8][9]

Kansas City Chiefs (first stint)

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2019 season

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Hardman was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round with the 56th overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft.[10] He was the fifth wide receiver selected that year.[11]

During Week 2 against the Oakland Raiders, Hardman caught four passes for 61 yards and his first NFL touchdown in the 28–10 road victory.[12] In the Week 3 game against the Baltimore Ravens, he caught two passes for 97 yards including an 83-yard receiving touchdown. The Chiefs defeated the Ravens 33–28.[13] During a Week 10 35–32 road loss against the Tennessee Titans, Hardman had a 63-yard touchdown on his only reception of the game.[14] On December 17, Hardman was named to the Pro Bowl.[15] In the regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Chargers, Hardman caught a 30-yard reception and returned a kickoff for a 104 yard touchdown in the 31–21 win.[16] He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.[17] In Super Bowl LIV, Hardman had a single reception for two yards while returning three kicks for a total of 58 yards in a 31–20 win against the San Francisco 49ers.[18]

2020 season

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During a Week 3 game against the Ravens, Hardman caught four passes for 81 yards including a 49-yard touchdown; the Chiefs won 34–20.[19] In a Week 8 35–9 victory against the New York Jets, Hardman caught seven passes for 96 yards including a 30-yard touchdown.[20] On November 11, 2020, Hardman was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list after testing positive for COVID-19, and was activated on November 21.[21] Hardman missed no games while on the reserve/COVID-19 list, but his snaps were limited in the Chiefs' Week 11 victory against the Las Vegas Raiders. His only reception in the game came on the team's game-winning drive with 1:14 remaining in the fourth quarter.[22] In the Chiefs' Week 14 victory over the Miami Dolphins, Hardman returned a punt 67 yards for a touchdown, the first punt return touchdown of his NFL career.[23] Overall, Hardman recorded 41 receptions for 560 yards and four touchdowns to go along with a punt return touchdown in 2020.[24]

In the AFC Championship against the Bills, Hardman muffed a punt return that the Bills recovered at the 3-yard line which was later converted into a touchdown. However, on the next Chiefs drive, Hardman caught a touchdown pass and later rushed for a 50-yard jet sweep. The Chiefs would win 38–24 advancing to Super Bowl LV.[25] In the Super Bowl, Hardman caught two passes for four yards in a 31–9 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.[26]

2021 season

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Hardman with the Chiefs in 2021

In the 2021 season, Hardman played in all 17 games and recorded 59 receptions for 693 yards and two touchdowns while handling a majority of the punt return duties.[27] In the postseason, Hardman scored a rushing touchdown in the Divisional Round and a receiving touchdown in the AFC Championship.[28][29]

2022 season

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In Week 7 against the San Francisco 49ers, Hardman recorded four catches for 32 yards and a receiving touchdown to go along with 28 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. He became the first wide receiver in the Super Bowl era to get two rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown in the same game.[30] He was placed on injured reserve on November 17, 2022, after suffering an abdomen injury in Week 9. Hardman was activated off of injured reserve on January 4, 2023.[31] Hardman did return in the AFC Championship but injured his abdominal and was deactivated for Super Bowl LVII.[32] The Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38–35 to give Hardman his second Super Bowl win.[33]

New York Jets

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Hardman signed with the New York Jets on March 23, 2023.[34] However, he only caught one pass in five games with the Jets and lost his starting spot to two rookie wide receivers before asking to be traded.[35]

Kansas City Chiefs (second stint)

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On October 18, 2023, the Jets traded Hardman and a seventh-round selection in the 2025 NFL draft to the Chiefs in exchange for a sixth-round selection in 2025, reuniting Hardman with his former team.[36] In Super Bowl LVIII, Hardman caught the game-winning touchdown in overtime, sealing the Chiefs' 25–22 win over the 49ers and earning Hardman his third Super Bowl title.[37][38]

In the ensuing offseason Hardman entered free-agency, and ultimately returned to the Chiefs after signing a one-year, $1.125 million contract on June 7.[39][40] He served as the team's primary punt returner. On December 7, Hardman was placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury.[41] Prior to his injury, Hardman totaled 90 yards on 12 receptions, 62 yards and one touchdown on five carries, and 335 return yards.[42][43]

NFL career statistics

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Legend
Won the Super Bowl
Bold Career best

Regular season

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Year Team Games Receiving Rushing Fumbles
GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD Att Yds Avg Lng TD Fum Lost
2019 KC 16 5 26 538 20.7 83 6 4 17 4.3 9 0 2 2
2020 KC 16 8 41 560 13.7 49 4 4 31 7.8 20 0 2 2
2021 KC 17 8 59 693 11.7 53 2 8 46 5.8 24 0 3 2
2022 KC 8 5 25 297 11.9 36 4 4 31 7.8 25 2 1 0
2023 NYJ 5 0 1 6 6.0 6 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0
KC 6 2 14 118 8.4 37 0 1 3 3.0 3 0 1 1
Career 68 28 166 2,212 13.3 83 16 21 128 6.1 25 2 9 7

Postseason

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Year Team Games Receiving Rushing Fumbles
GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD Att Yds Avg Lng TD Fum Lost
2019 KC 3 1 4 29 7.3 13 0 1 −6 −6.0 −6 0 0 0
2020 KC 3 1 8 66 8.3 42 1 2 54 27.0 50 0 1 1
2021 KC 3 1 8 121 15.1 44 1 6 55 9.2 25 1 1 0
2022 KC 1 0 2 10 5.0 11 0 2 7 3.5 5 0 0 0
2023 KC 4 1 5 62 12.4 52 1 2 −5 −2.5 −1 0 2 1
Career 14 4 27 288 10.7 52 3 13 105 8.1 50 1 4 2

Personal life

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Hardman is engaged to Chariah Gordon, who is the founder and owner of The Glo Collection. They started dating since at least September 2021. The couple had their first child, Three, who was born the day of Super Bowl LVII on February 12, 2023. In 2024, the couple welcomed a baby girl.[44]

He made a guest cameo as himself on 2024 Hallmark Channel original film, Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.[45]

References

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  1. ^ Kirpalani, Sanjay (February 3, 2016). "Mecole Hardman Jr. Commits to Georgia: No. 1 ATH Can Make Instant Impact". Bleacher Report. Retrieved April 1, 2020.
  2. ^ Wasserman, Ari (February 3, 2016). "Mecole Hardman announces commitment to Georgia". cleveland.com. Retrieved April 1, 2020.
  3. ^ Weiszer, Marc (March 27, 2017). "Georgia taking a look at utilizing Mecole Hardman's speed at wide receiver". Athens Banner-Herald. Retrieved April 1, 2020.
  4. ^ "Mecole Hardman College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  5. ^ Ledbetter, D. Orlando (February 15, 2019). "NFL combine invitee: Mecole Hardman, WR, Georgia (Elbert County)". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved April 1, 2020.
  6. ^ "College Football Championship - Alabama vs Georgia Box Score, January 8, 2018". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved September 17, 2020.
  7. ^ "Georgia loses top receivers, RB Holyfield to draft". ESPN.com. Associated Press. January 4, 2019. Retrieved April 1, 2020.
  8. ^ "Carey Hardman Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved September 2, 2019.
  9. ^ "2019 Draft Scout Mecole Hardman, Georgia NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile". draftscout.com. Retrieved January 7, 2023.
  10. ^ Bergman, Jeremy (April 26, 2019). "Chiefs select speedy WR Hardman amid Hill questions". NFL.com. Retrieved April 26, 2019.
  11. ^ "2019 NFL Draft Listing". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved April 1, 2020.
  12. ^ "Mahomes' 4 TDs in 2nd quarter lead Chiefs past Raiders 28-10". ESPN.com. Associated Press. September 15, 2019. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
  13. ^ "Mahomes throws 3 TD passes as Chiefs hold off Ravens, 33-28". ESPN.com. Associated Press. September 22, 2019. Retrieved September 22, 2019.
  14. ^ "Kansas City Chiefs at Tennessee Titans - November 10th, 2019". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved April 1, 2020.
  15. ^ "Three Chiefs players join Mahomes, Hill, Kelce on Pro Bowl roster". Kansas City Business Journal. December 18, 2019. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
  16. ^ "Chiefs top Bolts 31-21 to earn No. 2 seed, first-round bye". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 29, 2019. Retrieved December 29, 2019.
  17. ^ "2019 NFL All-Rookie Team". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved July 27, 2024.
  18. ^ Shook, Nick (February 2, 2020). "Chiefs rally once again to defeat 49ers, win SB LIV". NFL.com. Retrieved October 31, 2023.
  19. ^ "Kansas City Chiefs at Baltimore Ravens - September 28th, 2020". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved December 15, 2020.
  20. ^ "New York Jets at Kansas City Chiefs - November 1st, 2020". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved December 15, 2020.
  21. ^ Summers, Mitchel (November 21, 2020). "Mecole Hardman cleared from Reserve/COVID-19 list". WBIW.com. Retrieved December 15, 2020.
  22. ^ "Kansas City Chiefs at Las Vegas Raiders - November 22nd, 2020". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved December 15, 2020.
  23. ^ "Kansas City Chiefs at Miami Dolphins - December 13th, 2020". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved December 15, 2020.
  24. ^ "Mecole Hardman 2020 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  25. ^ Alper, Josh (January 25, 2021). "Mecole Hardman glad coaches didn't lose confidence in him". ProFootballTalk. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
  26. ^ "Super Bowl LV - Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Kansas City Chiefs - February 7th, 2021". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  27. ^ "Mecole Hardman 2021 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved February 3, 2022.
  28. ^ "Divisional Round - Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs - January 23rd, 2022". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved February 3, 2022.
  29. ^ "AFC Championship - Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs - January 30th, 2022". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved February 3, 2022.
  30. ^ Taylor, Nate (October 24, 2022). "How the Chiefs' Mecole Hardman lived up to his 'Jet' nickname to sweep their way to win over 49ers". The Athletic. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  31. ^ Goldman, Charles (January 4, 2023). "Chiefs activate WR Mecole Hardman to 53-man roster, waive OT Geron Christian". Chiefs Wire. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
  32. ^ Palmer, Tod (February 12, 2023). "Super Bowl LVII inactives: RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire won't play for Chiefs". KSHB 41 Kansas City News. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  33. ^ "Super Bowl LVII - Philadelphia Eagles vs. Kansas City Chiefs - February 12th, 2023". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  34. ^ Lange, Randy (March 23, 2023). "Jets Add Free Agent Speedster Mecole Hardman to Their WR Corps". NewYorkJets.com. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  35. ^ Flanigan, John (October 23, 2023). "Former Jets WR Mecole Hardman makes impact in first game following trade to Chiefs". SNY. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  36. ^ Teicher, Adam (October 18, 2023). "Sources: Jets trade WR Mecole Hardman Jr. back to Chiefs". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 21, 2023.
  37. ^ Mistretta, Joey (February 11, 2024). "Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes' OT TD to Mecole Hardman walks off 49ers in Super Bowl 58". ClutchPoints. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  38. ^ Guinhawa, Angelo (February 11, 2024). "Chiefs: KC mayor drops 4-word request to fans amid nerve-wracking Super Bowl 58". ClutchPoints. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  39. ^ McMullen, Matt (June 7, 2024). "Chiefs Re-Sign WR Mecole Hardman". Chiefs.com. Retrieved June 7, 2024.
  40. ^ "Mecole Hardman | NFL Contracts & Salaries". Spotrac. Archived from the original on June 8, 2024. Retrieved October 1, 2024.
  41. ^ Brisco, Joshua (December 7, 2024). "Chiefs Place WR Mecole Hardman on IR, Make Flurry of Roster Moves Ahead of Game vs. Chargers". si.com.
  42. ^ "Mecole Hardman - Kansas City Chiefs Wide Receiver". ESPN. Retrieved December 7, 2024.
  43. ^ "Mecole Hardman Returning Stats". Fox Sports. Retrieved December 7, 2024.
  44. ^ Aizin, Rebecca (October 23, 2023). "Who Is Mecole Hardman Jr.'s Fiancée? All About Chariah Gordon". People. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  45. ^ Walsh, Savannah (December 2, 2024). "Hallmark's Chiefs-Inspired Movie Comes Home for the Holidays: "Once This Airs in Kansas City, It's Going to Be Like the Moon Landing"". VanityFair.com. Retrieved December 4, 2024.
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