Kansas City, Mo. — August 28, 2025 — Former Kansas City fan favorite Mecole Hardman was released earlier this week, reigniting speculation about a reunion with the Chiefs after he signaled he’d welcome a return to Arrowhead. Hardman was among the Green Bay Packers’ final cutdown moves on Aug. 26 as teams trimmed to 53, according to club and national reports.

The 27-year-old speedster spent four seasons in Kansas City across two stints, delivered multiple postseason moments, and famously caught the Super Bowl LVIII walk-off touchdown. His return value is twofold: a familiar plug-and-play fit in Andy Reid’s motion-heavy offense and an immediate boost on special teams as a proven returner. While several outlets note he could circle back to Green Bay via the practice squad, his release has nonetheless reopened the door—at least in theory—to a Kansas City reunion if the roster math allows.

From a football standpoint, Hardman profiles as a vertical-and-horizontal stress piece who can clear space for Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice, handle jet/orbit motion, and flip field position in the return game. Any agreement—should Kansas City explore it—would likely be team-friendly with incentives, preserving flexibility as the Chiefs manage the 53 and early-season elevations.

In a message directed at the Kansas City community, Hardman strikes an emotional tone:

“It was never just the plays—it was the people. The coaches, the locker room, and the fans in red and gold who made Kansas City feel like home. Everywhere else I went, I kept chasing that Arrowhead feeling and never quite found it. If Kansas City calls, I won’t blink. I want to put the ‘KC’ back on my chest and come home to the Chiefs.”