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KC Chiefs players with added motivation in Super Bowl LV

By Scott Loring

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JANUARY 24: Juan Thornhill #22 of the Kansas City Chiefs breaks up a pass intended for Cole Beasley #11 of the Buffalo Bills in the first quarter during the AFC Championship game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 24, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JANUARY 24: Juan Thornhill #22 of the Kansas City Chiefs breaks up a pass intended for Cole Beasley #11 of the Buffalo Bills in the first quarter during the AFC Championship game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 24, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 22: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 and offensive guard Nick Allegretti #73 congratulate running back Le’Veon Bell #26 of the Kansas City Chiefs after he rushed for a 6-yard touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders in the second half of their game at Allegiant Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chiefs defeated the Raiders 35-31. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 22: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 and offensive guard Nick Allegretti #73 congratulate running back Le’Veon Bell #26 of the Kansas City Chiefs after he rushed for a 6-yard touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders in the second half of their game at Allegiant Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chiefs defeated the Raiders 35-31. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Honorable Mention:

Offensive lineman Nick Allegretti was active in Super Bowl LIV against San Francisco, but he only played a handful of special teams snaps. The former 7th round pick has been a competitive starter in the middle for Kansas City, playing all but two offensive snaps since Week 5 (except for the Week 17 game in which most starters sat).

Quarterback Chad Henne began 2019 as Mahomes’ backup, but suffered a broken leg in the team’s preseason game against San Francisco. Matt Moore played well in three games while Mahomes and Henne were on the shelf – well enough to keep the backup job for the rest of the season. After an offseason to heal, Henne regained the backup role and has played well in 2020.

Henne will be remembered forever for his 3rd down scramble in the divisional round against Cleveland (his first career playoff game) that was followed up with the biggest pass of his life – a 4th down completion to Hill that iced the game. Of course we hope Henne doesn’t have to play on Sunday, but the 11-year pro has proven this year that he can compete if called upon.

Offensive lineman Martinas Rankin has a ring from 2019, but was on injured reserve. He now has an opportunity as a member of the active roster to play in his first Super Bowl. Rankin has potential to stick around for the long term as a guard or tackle, and it will be interesting to see how he fits into the Chiefs plans in 2021. As for Sunday, Rankin will likely be the first man off the bench for the Chiefs’ offensive line. The 26-year-old can play every position on the line except center, and that could be a valuable asset against the Buccaneers.

Cornerback Antonio Hamilton will play in his first-ever Super Bowl after coming to Kansas City from the Giants. Hamilton has played on all facets of special teams units in 2020 and has contributed a little on the defensive side as well. Hamilton is a great guy to have in the locker room and provides quality back-end depth at corner for the Chiefs.

Next. Super Bowl LV feels different for Chiefs fans. dark

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