Sunday’s Super Bowl marks the fourth encounter between Javon Hargrave and Patrick Mahomes, a quarterback whose Hall of Fame potential is now widely acknowledged throughout the NFL. However, their initial matchup in 2018 presented a starkly different scenario. At that time, Hargrave, then a young rotational defensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers, found himself facing an unfamiliar 22-year-old Mahomes, who was making just his third career start.
Reflecting on that game during media sessions leading up to the Super Bowl in Las Vegas, Hargrave recalled how the Steelers’ game plans to confound the young quarterback were swiftly dismantled by Mahomes’ exceptional performance. Despite the Steelers’ efforts, Mahomes showcased his talent and left an indelible impression on Hargrave and his teammates, signaling his future greatness.
Fast forward to the present, Mahomes is set to play in his fourth Super Bowl, a testament to his remarkable career trajectory. Meanwhile, Hargrave has also undergone significant growth since his early days with the Steelers. Drafted in the third round in 2016, Hargrave quickly established himself as a starter on the Steelers’ defense, eventually earning Pro Bowl honors and securing a lucrative contract.
This Super Bowl appearance holds a different significance for Hargrave compared to last year’s, where he experienced defeat with the Philadelphia Eagles against Mahomes’ Chiefs. Determined to avoid a similar outcome, Hargrave is focused on seizing the opportunity to win and savoring the feeling of victory.
Joining Hargrave in this year’s Super Bowl is another former Steelers player, Ray-Ray McCloud, who serves as the primary returner for the San Francisco 49ers. McCloud’s potential involvement in the game’s opening kickoff highlights the interconnectedness of former Steelers players in the Super Bowl.
Additionally, three other former Steelers players are connected to the Super Bowl teams, either on practice squads or as part of the coaching staff. Despite their varied paths, these individuals represent the enduring impact of the Steelers’ legacy in the NFL landscape.
