SANTA CLARA, Calif. – After a tough overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII, the 49ers’ guard Spencer Burford took full responsibility for a crucial pass-protection mistake in which he left Kansas City star defensive tackle Chris Jones unblocked. This mistake ultimately led to the game-winning touchdown for the Chiefs.
Teammate Jon Feliciano revealed on social media that right tackle Colton McKivitz was incorrectly blamed for the error, stating that Burford was the one responsible for blocking Jones. However, Burford and Feliciano have since cleared the air, with Feliciano issuing a public apology to Burford.
In a statement to NBC Sports Bay Area, Burford admitted that he had miscommunicated with his teammates, ultimately leading to the missed block. Despite the unfortunate play, Burford acknowledged his mistakes and expressed his determination to learn from the experience.
The game ended in heartbreak for the 49ers, with Burford reflecting on the impact of the loss on himself and his teammates. However, veteran teammate Arik Armstead offered words of encouragement to Burford, emphasizing that one play does not define the outcome of an entire game.
Burford remains committed to improving his performance, recognizing the high expectations placed on him as a member of the 49ers. Despite the difficulties faced during the Super Bowl, he remains optimistic about the future and is dedicated to his growth as a player.