TAMPA, Fla. — The Chiefs picked Bucs kicker Ryan Succop with the 256th and final pick of the 2009 NFL Draft. The last player chosen is lovingly referred to as “Mr. Irrelevant.” But Succop has carved out a 12-year career that has him on the verge of a Super Bowl ring.
Succop spent five seasons in Kansas City and six in Tennessee before the Titans released him last year. The Bucs called, and he’s made the most of the opportunity. Succop made 28 of 31 kicks in the regular season, and he’s 8 for 8 in the playoffs.
Not bad for a guy whose career in the NFL almost never happened.
“I don’t think. I know that the Lord has blessed my career. He’s blessed my career in ways that I never really could’ve imagined,” Succop said at his virtual news conference. “Not just for the longevity of it, but for the people he’s allowed me to play with.”
Succop said not being on a team for a couple of months gave him time to relax and refresh physically and mentally. Now, he has a chance to live every football player’s dream.
“Sunday will be really special. After 12 years, this’ll be my first time getting to play in the Big Game. It’s something I feel very blessed to be able to do.”
