Report: New York Jets believe Mecole Hardman leaked game plans after trade to Chiefs
New York Jets players have alluded to some unsportsmanlike behavior this week from one of their former teammates, current Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman. Hardman told reporters that he wouldn’t be going back to the Jets as he nears free agency this month. The comments seemed to rub his former Jets teammates the wrong way. Now, there’s reportedly “validated belief” amongst the New York side that the Chiefs receiver leaked game plans this season after his trade to Kansas City.
“We ain’t gon talk about how our offensive gameplan got leaked vs. the Eagles,” Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner tweeted, then deleted this week.
After hubbub over that allegation, Connor Hughes of New York’s SNY reported, “there was validated belief from the Jets that … Hardman, frustrated by his lack of usage, leaked game plans to the opposition, as implied by several players. … Not just the Eagles game, but also the Chiefs.”
Morstead calls out former teammate for ‘entitlement’
Jets punter Thomas Morstead also seemed to call out Hardman this week, tweeting at reporters to “be careful getting information from disgruntled former employees.”
“Getting beat out by a rookie free agent after being guaranteed millions of dollars is tough to deal with,” Morstead posted. “Entitlement is a killer of opportunity. You have to earn it every year.”
Even if the claims of leaked gameplans are true, the Jets ended beating the Eagles in their October matchup for Week 6. With the potential scandal brewing between Hardman and the Jets, it seems highly unlikely that the two parties reunite. After his trade from New York to Kansas City, Hardman tallied 17 catches for 129 yards and no scores. His big moment finally came, however, in Super Bowl LVIII.
Hardman finished the game tied for second on the team in all receiving categories. He totaled three receptions for 57 yards and the game-winning touchdown. The receptions and yards finished behind only Travis Kelce while he tied Marquez Valdes-Scantling with the score.
Hardman catches Super Bowl-winner in overtime
Following the 25-22 overtime victory for Kansas City over San Francisco in Las Vegas, Jim Nantz put the mic up to Hardman as he spoke to each of the Chiefs. He asked the now three-time title-winning wide receiver how it felt to secure the victory in his own hands.
“Man, it feels great. I’m telling you,” Hardman said. “I blacked out when I caught the ball, though. It feels awesome”
Hardman wasn’t joking either about blacking out in the moment. Patrick Mahomes, the Super Bowl LVIII MVP, said postgame that he had to tell Hardman that his catch just won them the championship after he completed it.