The Chiefs won their third Super Bowl in the last five years in dramatic fashion, scoring a walk-off TD in overtime to beat the 49ers 25-22.
However, closer film study reveals that seldom-used WR Richie James had an opportunity to become Kansas City’s hero. Despite catching just 10 passes for 114 yards in the regular season in a reserve role, James was wide open for a potential 55-yard TD.
That play ultimately went to Rashee Rice for a nice gain, but James could’ve become the unlikely storyline of the Super Bowl instead.
WATCH: Richie James Nearly Became Chiefs’ Super Bowl Hero
The Chiefs could've had a 55-yard walkoff TD to Richie James in overtime because of a coverage bust, though this was entirely designed to Rice. Not knocking Mahomes at all.
Just an alternate universe moment. pic.twitter.com/orKt0E7qAE
— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) February 13, 2024
This would have been hilarious and perfectly fitting for a few reasons. First, many Chiefs pundits, including myself, thought big things were coming for James. That obviously did not happen. Even still, he was more open than a 24/7 QuikTrip on this play.
After all of the grief Kansas City’s wide receivers took over the course of the season, rightfully so, how poetic would it be for a much-maligned wideout to score a long game-winning TD?
If Mahomes looks James’ way, the game is over. San Francisco ignored him completely, putting multiple defenders on Rice, and it worked out in the end. However, that’s a disastrous mistake to make given Mahomes’ ability and the situation.
James is currently a free agent with special teams experience on top of being a reliable receiver when on the field. Things didn’t work out with the Chiefs, aside from winning the darned Super Bowl, but perhaps he’d be a more discussed free-agent wide receiver if this play went his way.
