49ers All-Pro FB sets the record straight on Super Bowl OT rules controversy
It was reported on Monday that some members of the San Francisco 49ers were unaware of the new overtime rules for playoff games.
Niners fullback Kyle Juszczyk said on Tuesday that the situation has been greatly blown out of proportion.
According to a report by Lindsay Jones of The Ringer, the eight-time Pro Bowler said after Sunday's Super Bowl LVIII overtime to the Kansas City Chiefs that he assumed his team chose to receive the kickoff in the extra frame because that's what you'd do in the regular season when a touchdown wins the contest.
“I guess that’s not the case. I don’t really know the strategy,” Juszczyk said, per Jones.
Super Bowl LVIII was just the second time the big game went to overtime and was the first instance when a Super Bowl (or any playoff contest) went past regulation since the NFL changed its overtime rules in 2022.
San Francisco won the coin toss before overtime Sunday night in Las Vegas and drove down the field but had to settle for a Jake Moody field goal.
Thanks to the new rules, Kansas City and quarterback Patrick Mahomes got one chance to possess the ball and that was all they needed, as the signal-caller connected with wideout Mecole Hardman for the game-winning touchdown in the 25-22 victory.
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