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Rookie Impact Could Decide Super Bowl LXI

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, February 5th 2026 at 19:32 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Arizona, Missouri, California, UNITED STATES

Beyond the Veterans: Rookie Impact Looms Large Over Super Bowl LXI

As the anticipation builds for Super Bowl LXI, pitting the San Francisco 49ers against the Kansas City Chiefs, the focus naturally gravitates towards the established stars - Patrick Mahomes, Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, and the veteran defensive stalwarts. However, a compelling subplot is emerging: the potential for rookies to significantly impact the outcome of the championship game. While experience often prevails on the grandest stage, a fresh perspective and unexpected contributions from first-year players could prove to be the deciding factor.

Historically, rookies playing in the Super Bowl have been more about gaining experience than dominating the game. The record for the youngest Super Bowl player currently belongs to Marcus Mariota, who graced the field in Super Bowl XXXIV at just 21 years and 300 days old. While Mariota didn't single-handedly alter the game's trajectory, his presence highlighted the occasional opportunity for youth to shine. Super Bowl LXI presents a similar landscape, with several rookies poised to contribute, and perhaps even disrupt, the carefully laid plans of both teams.

San Francisco's Rising Young Stars

The 49ers, known for their strong core of proven players, also harbor a few young talents who could step up when it matters most. Wide receiver Ronnie Bell (24 years, 65 days) is a special teams ace, a critical role often overlooked but potentially game-changing in a tightly contested Super Bowl. A well-timed punt or kick return for a touchdown could dramatically shift momentum. While not a primary receiving threat, his reliability on special teams is valuable.

Jalen Graham (23 years, 176 days), the tight end, is primarily a blocking specialist. In a run-heavy offense led by Christian McCaffrey, Graham's ability to create running lanes and offer crucial pass protection for Brock Purdy shouldn't be underestimated. Effective blocking can allow McCaffrey to exploit gaps in the Chiefs' defense and Purdy time to make the crucial throws.

Kansas City's Fresh Faces

The Chiefs, aiming for back-to-back Super Bowl victories, also boast a promising crop of rookies. The most prominent among them is undoubtedly Rashee Rice (23 years, 147 days). Rice has rapidly become Patrick Mahomes' go-to receiver, displaying a knack for making tough catches and finding open space. Facing a potentially vulnerable 49ers secondary, Mahomes is likely to target Rice frequently, making him a prime candidate to influence the game's outcome. His ability to consistently gain yards after the catch could be especially crucial in extending drives and wearing down the 49ers' defense.

On the defensive side, Chinander Fontenot (23 years, 103 days) is a developing defensive tackle with raw power. While not a guaranteed starter, Fontenot could see opportunities to disrupt the 49ers' offensive line and potentially stifle their running game. Adding fresh legs and a relentless effort could be a valuable asset as the game progresses.

Felix Anichebe (22 years, 319 days), an undrafted rookie defensive end, represents a high-risk, high-reward option for the Chiefs. His athleticism and speed offer potential as a pass-rush specialist. If Anichebe can capitalize on favorable matchups and apply consistent pressure on Brock Purdy, he could disrupt the 49ers' passing attack and create turnovers.

The X-Factor: Special Teams and Momentum

Beyond the statistical projections and positional matchups, the impact of special teams should not be overlooked. Ronnie Bell's role on the 49ers' special teams unit adds a layer of unpredictability. A significant return could ignite the 49ers and provide a psychological boost. Similarly, any penalties drawn or advantageous field position gained by either team's special teams could be game-altering.

Predicting the Biggest Impact

While all six rookies possess the potential to contribute, Rashee Rice appears to be the most likely candidate to have a significant impact. His established connection with Patrick Mahomes and the 49ers' potential vulnerabilities in the secondary create a favorable scenario for him to thrive. However, dismissing the potential of a game-changing special teams play from Ronnie Bell would be a mistake. Ultimately, Super Bowl LXI will likely be determined by the collective efforts of all players, but the contributions of these young rookies could very well prove to be the difference between victory and defeat.