PHOENIX — L’Jarius Sneed cleared the final stage of NFL’s concussion protocol Monday, ensuring the Chiefs secondary will have its most experienced cornerback back in the lineup for Super Bowl LVII on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Sneed declared himself clear of the league’s concussion protocol during the Super Bowl Opening Night festivities.
“I’m feeling great,” said Sneed, who played just four snaps in the AFC Championship game against Cincinnati.
“I was sensitive to light the first two days but after that, I was very good,” Sneed added.
The Chiefs built their game plan against the Bengals around Sneed shadowing receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Sneed’s injury forced the Chiefs’ secondary to adjust, which they did succeed in doing as part of a 23-20 victory.
“It was very tough,” Sneed said. “I wanted to hold Chase but God had other plans.”
Despite the concussion, Sneed took part in the on-the-field celebration following the win over the Bengals. The Chiefs also won the AFC Championship during Sneed’s rookie season with a win over Buffalo but he was unable to take part in that celebration due to exiting that game in concussion protocol. He didn’t want to miss the party this time.
“That was my first time because the last time we won it I was in the concussion protocol as well, so I had to stay in,” Sneed said. “This time I came out.”
The Chiefs’ Super Bowl trip that season was muted due to the pandemic, with the pageantry of Opening Night replaced by Zoom press conferences. He was all smiles Monday night soaking in the atmosphere.
“It’s very different now,” Sneed said. “I didn’t have this experience. It was 2020 during the COVID year, so I didn’t have this experience. It’s totally different, and I’m loving it.”
