It’s getting to be a habit, a good one at that, but Grace Media Group makes it annual visit with former NFL player Artis Hicks for a prediction when the Kansas City Chiefs play the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Sunday.
Artis, a 1997 graduate of Jackson Central-Merry High School, played collegiately at the University of Memphis, and professionally with the Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, Washington (now Commanders), Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins.
An offensive lineman, Hicks, played in the 2005 Super Bowl (2004 season) when the Eagles faced the New England Patriots.
Hicks, who trains at Atlas Fitness Jackson – 3023 U.S. Highway 45 Bypass Suite 109 – is a member of the Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame – 2014 – and the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame – 2022
“Another great Super Bowl is fast approaching as we head into the weekend,” Hicks said, “It’s only right that I continue the tradition of giving my predication as I attempt to accurately call both the winner and the exact score of the game once again.”
Artis not only picked Kansas City to beat Philadelphia in Super Bowl LVII, but he also hit the final score on the head – 38-35 – so here we go.
“This Super Bowl will have stars all across the board on both sides of the ball for both teams – as well as in the club boxes spectating, and you know who I’m referring to,” Hicks said, laughing. “This game will simply come down to which team plays the most physical brand of football.”
Artis said while both the Chiefs and Niners win a lot of games physically intimidating their opponent, this will be a game of attrition on both sides of the ball.
“(SF quarterback) Brock Purdy will have immense pressure on his shoulders to prove that he’s more than just a game manager to not only himself; but to his teammates, the entire organization, and the millions of fans as well,” Hicks said, “(SF) Head coach Kyle Shanahan will also share a similar pressure as he looks to prove that he can do more than just get his team to the Super Bowl by completing the task at hand when he hoists the Lombardi Trophy after losing his first appearance as the head coach of the 49ers against the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV in 2020.”
Then, there’s the Chiefs.
“Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes, and the Chiefs won’t have this pressure on their backs which will allow them to play more relaxed and freely,” Hicks said, “This will greatly benefit the Chiefs as they avoid costly mistakes which lead to turnovers.”
Continuing, Artis mentions the X-Factor.
“Be on the look-out for Kadarius Toney making an impactful play in this game which helps Kansas City pull this game out,” Hicks said, “Specifically in special teams on a punt return. There has been a lot of controversy between him and the organization over the last few weeks of the playoffs with disagreements about his health status as he was inactive in the three previous playoff games leading up to this Super Bowl.
“Guys like him thrive when their backs are against the wall and they have an opportunity to show just how talented they really are on the biggest stage.”
Hicks said that’s what Toney did in Super Bowl LVII, and he believes Toney will be the ace up the sleeve for Kansas City Coach Andy Reid, Sunday.
“He’s listed as questionable heading into this game – which is by design – so the 49ers will overlook his play-making ability in their preparation heading into Sunday’s big showdown,” Hicks said, “Also, be aware of (Kansas City’s) Trey Smith’s great blocking. Particularly in the run game as the Chiefs will look to average 4 yards per rushing attempt with (Isiah) Pacheco carrying the ball like a wild man behind Trey’s mauling blocks.”
Smith, a 2017 graduate of University School of Jackson, was a 5-star recruit, ranked No. 1 by ESPN. During his football career at USJ, Trey received the Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Lineman of the Year in 2015 and 2016 for Division II-A.1
Smith played football at the University of Tennessee for four years. He received numerous awards during his career at UT, including 2017 Freshman All-American.
“It won’t show up on a postgame stat sheet, but Trey’s physicality, aggression, and tenacity will set the tempo and mentality which the Chiefs offense play with – same as he’s done all season,” Artis said, “I can’t wait to watch Trey continue his amazing journey as he wins his second Super Bowl in his first three seasons as a pro.
“He’s a great representative of Jackson, Three Way, Humboldt, Bells … and the state of Tennessee in general.
“GO CHIEFS!!!!! – My prediction? Kansas City Chiefs 24-20.”
(PHOTO: Artis Hicks and Trey Smith)
