Chiefs' Mecole Hardman to Play in 2024 NBA Celebrity Game After Super Bowl 58 Win

Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl hero Mecole Hardman will suit up for Stephen A. Smith's team during the NBA Celebrity All-Star Game on Friday night.

Hardman joins a group of NFL players that includes Micah Parsons, Puka Nacua and C.J. Stroud on rosters for the event in Indianapolis.

Hardman caught the game-winning touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes in overtime against the 49ers to give Kansas City a 25-22 victory.

It was a triumphant moment for Hardman, who has endured his share of struggles since being a second-round pick by the Chiefs in the 2019 draft. He spent his first four seasons in Kansas City before signing with the New York Jets as a free agent last offseason.

After catching one pass in six games with the Jets, Hardman was traded back to the Chiefs midway through the season. He came close to being a playoff dunce in the AFC Divisional Round when his fumble on a reception near the goal line gave the Buffalo Bills life, but Kansas City wound up holding on for a 27-24 victory.

Hardman caught all three of his targets in the Super Bowl for 57 yards. His touchdown catch in overtime was the first time he found the end since Week 9 of the 2022 season.

Smith and Shannon Sharpe will serve as coaches for the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game. Hardman's teammates on Smith's squad include Stroud, Natasha Cloud, Metta World Peace and Italian high jumper Gianmarco Tamberi.

Parsons, Jewell Loyd and Quincy Isaiah, who portrayed Magic Johnson on HBO's Winning Time, will be on Sharpe's team.

The 2024 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium on Friday night at 7 p.m. ET.