Kansas City Chiefs LG Nick Allegretti can redeem the darkest moment in his NFL career in Super Bowl LVIII

Only one player on the Kansas City Chiefs' 53-man roster remembers the Super Bowl LV loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers more vividly than players like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. 

Nick Allegretti was part of a patchwork offensive line that sought to come together and stop what was the NFL's most vaunted pass rush that season. The entire offensive line struggled to protect Mahomes during the brutal loss, prompting Brett Veach to completely revamp the offensive line in the coming years. 

"It is hard to win in this football league, contrary to what people believe," Allegretti told 810 Sports Radio's Todd Leabo. "It is hard every single time."

When Allegretti lines up against the San Francisco 49ers for his second career Super Bowl start on Sunday, that game won't be too far from his mind. Nor will the other Super Bowls that he's been a part of in his career in Kansas City. 

“I try my best to live in the moment and enjoy this stuff, but four Super Bowls in five years is hard to fathom,” Allegretti told 810 Sports Radio's Todd Leabo. “It really is. It makes sense watching this organization and knowing the talents we have and the leadership we have up top. It has been a pleasure to be part of this organization."

Allegretti stepped in for the injured Joe Thuney during the AFC Championship Game win over the Baltmore Ravens. He proved to be the perfect contingency plan, shutting down an interior defensive lineman that led the NFL in sacks in Ravens DT Justin Madubuike. It helped the Chiefs punch their ticket to the Super Bowl, where he'll get a shot at redemption that was never promised. 

"It feels good," Allegretti said. "It's tough when a guy like Joe (Thuney) has to miss a week. He's been the best guard in this league. To step in for him and being able to be a part of that AFC Championship Game win was incredibly huge. I was proud of it, I was really proud of it." 

As Allegretti approached the practice week ahead of Super Bowl LVIII, there was still a chance for Thuney to play. Even with that chance, he never let it cross his mind that he wouldn't be playing in this game. The mentality is one that the Chiefs stress to all of their players – treat every game as if you're the starter. 

"I’m treating it like I’m playing because that’s how I have to, mentally. He’s also treating it that way,” Allegretti told KSHB-TV’s Aaron Ladd. “ When a left guard coaching point comes up, we'll kind of look at each other and try to interpret it for each other. You know, what that step means or what the angle means that we have to take. Having a guy like that – who has been probably the best guard in this league for the past 3-4 years. He has not gotten the credit that he deserves. Having a guy like that in your ear and helping you along the way. Seeing him prepare, but also know that the coaching points he has taken, I can apply to myself. He has been incredible. 

Allegretti has been ready for this moment since February 7, 2021. Just as it does to his teammates Mahomes and Kelce, the loss haunts him in ways that pushes him to be even greater when he steps out the field.