The Courier, Sept. 9, 2020 (Reprinted by the Daily Advertiser)

Local NFL player Elijah McGuire has some new jewelry to show off.

McGuire, a Houma native and former Vandebilt Catholic and UL star running back, was a member of the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl championship team last season.

McGuire posted a photo of him showing off his new championship ring inside Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

While attending a ribbon-cutting ceremony to reopen the renovated Mechanicville Gym in Houma on Feb. 20, McGuire said it was an incredible experience being with the Chiefs during their Super Bowl run.

Kansas City made its first Super Bowl appearance in 50 years this season and won its second championship in team history. It is McGuire’s first championship ring as an NFL player.

"It was crazy," McGuire said on Feb. 20. "We were in Miami for a week for the Super Bowl and it was amazing. It was crazy. It was something I couldn’t put into words with me experiencing the Super Bowl. Everybody that is in the NFL, that’s what they want to experience. It’s hard to get there. For me to get there in my third season and win it is awesome."

McGuire is now entering his fourth season as an NFL running back with the Chiefs, who will open their season on Sept. 10 against the Houston Texas in Kansas City, Missouri. The game will start at 7:20 p.m. Sept. 10 and will be televised on NBC. His goal is to make the regular season roster and contribute to the Chiefs’ explosive offense. 

As a member of the Kansas City’s practice squad since November, McGuire didn’t get a chance to play during a game this season, but he got to stand on the sideline and cheer on his Chiefs teammates in the Super Bowl.

Although he was listed as a practice squad player, McGuire said it is an important job. He usually lined up as a scout player in practice and helped the Chiefs’ starting defensive players prepare for their opponents every week.

"I put a lot of work in to help the defense be ready for that Super Bowl game," McGuire said. "When people mention practice squad, it ain’t what people think it is because you put in a lot of work to help your teammates prepare for a game. That’s your job so you’ve got to do it to the best of your ability, so I took pride in it. I’m blessed enough to just be on a team, still be in the NFL and still do what I love to do." 

More:Local NFL player reflects on winning first Super Bowl

He spent his first two seasons playing for the New York Jets. He was a sixth round pick with the Jets in 2017. He suffered a broken foot injury in 2018. Although the recovered from the injury, the Jets released him before the 2019 regular season.

He has spent time as a member of the Cleveland Browns and Chiefs practice squads this season.

In two seasons with the Jets, McGuire played in 24 games. He rushed for 591 yards and four touchdowns, and he caught 36 passes for 370 yards and two touchdowns.