The Super Bowl’s history includes unexpected chapters scripted by under-the-radar players who surpassed their more illustrious peers to earn MVP honors.
With the big game right around the corner, here are four names who could potentially come out of nowhere to claim the Super Bowl MVP this year.
Emmanuel Sanders, WR, 49ers
He amassed 41 first downs in 2019, his best total since 2016. in 10 games with the San Francisco 49ers, he averaged an impressive 13.9 yards. Along with his seven catches for 157 yards and a score against the New Orleans Saints in Week 14, Sanders tossed a touchdown to help the 49ers clinch a crucial victory.
Sanders has experience with two Super Bowl appearances under his belt. As a rookie, he collected 17 yards on two catches for the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV. He then accrued six catches for 83 yards in Super Bowl 50 as a member of the Denver Broncos.
Mecole Hardman, WR, Chiefs
Hardman’s big-play potential is undisputed. The second-round rookie out of Georgia was a home run hitter in 2019, scoring four 40-plus-yard receiving touchdowns, averaging 20.7 yards per catch, and returning a 104-yard kickoff to the house.He wasn’t great this year with 26 catches for 538 yards, but with seven all-purpose TD’s and his special talents, he could break loose at any time, especially on the big scene.
Tyrann Mathieu, S, Chiefs
Mathieu enters Super Bowl LIV playing perhaps the best football of his career. The 27-year-old, who led the Chiefs in interceptions and passes defended during the regular season, has been all over the field.
During the Chiefs’ 2019 campaign Mathieu has shown that he can once again be one of the best at his position.
Fred Warner, LB, 49ers
The 49ers’ defensive unit has been impressive throughout the entire campaign, and it’s due in large part to Warner’s services. The second-year linebacker, who’s led San Francisco in tackles in consecutive seasons, has expanded his influence all over the field.He finished 2019 as one of only two players to record at least 100 combined tackles, three sacks, five passes defended, and one touchdown.
There are so many great players on these two teams and I am personally really looking forward to it. But, in my opinion, you can never forget Patrick MaHomes, not under-rated in any way, is playing in this game.
