Chiefs star says Travis Kelce among those who have made him become a better player

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With the 2024 season in mind, the Kansas City Chiefs had to bring in new additions to the squad, but they also had to get rid of others… and eventually welcome someone back.

Hollywood Brown is undoubtedly the most hyped addition to the franchise this year, along with Xavier Worthy, the super-fast rookie.

Meanwhile, on defense, KC lost an important piece in order to extend the stay of one of its big stars. L’Jarius Sneed was traded to the Tennessee Titans and Chris Jones signed a giant new contract.

In addition, shortly after the Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers, the Chiefs began their moves by letting go of Mecole Hardman, even though he had scored the touchdown that secured the back-to-back title in overtime.

But in June, Kansas City brought him back on a one-year contract.

Hardman’s learning journey in the NFL

Hardman comes from the Chiefs. He was drafted in 2019 as the 56th pick of the second round.

His development in the NFL has taken place on the winningest team in the game, especially since the year he entered the league.

Last season, the wide receiver joined the New York Jets in training camp, but didn’t make the squad: he caught one pass in five games and lost his spot to a rookie. The pass-catcher then asked to be traded and returned to KC in October 2023.

Training camp has started and Hardman spoke to the media about his growth and maturity in the NFL, especially with a top team like the Chiefs.

“I think just the experience. I guess just being here, most of the time, and learning the system, learning how to win, learning how to become a better leader, learning how to take care of your body, learning how actually to practice, learning the game – the game is slowing down,” said.

He added: “All of that comes with experience and the years you have in the league. Now it’s just more about finding ways to become better at the little things, at the little fundamental things, and trying to get better each and every day, so that way you can have that long career that you want – that everybody wants.”

All that influenced Mecole Hardman to be a better person and player

Hardman didn’t hesitate to mention that much of how he became as a player is down to the franchise that ‘raised’ him.

“I think the experience and the knowledge that comes with it is where I’ve been learning the most, learning from guys like Trav (Kelce) and the older guys that have been here,” noted. “So, just trying to take that all into account and just become better each and every day.”

He also commented that the birth of his daughter was an extremely transformative point in all aspects of his life.

“Having my daughter gives [me] motivation,” Hardman claimed. “It gives you fuel to try to set them up long term.”

Hardman and his fiancée announced their engagement in June this year. The couple already have two children together.