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Kareem Hunt’s story is one of redemption and second chances

Posted: January 30, 2025 at 11:02 am   /   by   /   comments (0)

America loves a feel-good story, and there are a few on the Kansas City Chiefs.

Whether it be punter Matt Araiza returning to the league after a false sexual assault allegation nearly ruined his life and kept him from living out his dream as an NFL punter, or Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s love story, there are plenty of human-interest pieces that you will likely read about the Chiefs the next couple weeks. But, as a lifelong Chiefs fan, none are more telling of America’s willingness to give second chances than Kareem Hunt’s story.

Hunt’s NFL career began back in 2017 with the Chiefs. The running back’s journey looked to be in trouble before it was able to begin as Hunt fumbled his first carry of his professional career. But, instead of getting down on himself, Hunt was immediately given a second chance by Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, something that Reid himself has become notorious for over his coaching career. Michael Vick is another example of a career that Reid saved. Coming out of prison for his involvement in dog fighting, many fans wanted Vick out of the NFL, but Reid, who was in Philadelphia at the time, gave the quarterback a second chance. Vick flourished, revitalized his career and was just named the head coach for Norfolk State University.

Hunt didn’t just take his second opportunity that evening against the Patriots in stride, he ran wild in that game, 17 carries for 148 yards to go along with 5 catches for 98 yards. He also scored 3 touchdowns in the game. That season Hunt ran for over 1,300 yards and 8 touchdowns. His 2018 season was looking like it was going to be another big one, as he had over 800 yards and 7 touchdowns, and then the video was released.

In the video, the Chiefs’ 3rd round pick in the 2017 draft was shown shoving and kicking a female outside of his residence. It was an awful video to watch, and I can fully understand anyone who can’t look past that video to ever forgive Hunt. Domestic abuse is an awful thing and should be taken very seriously. The Chiefs took it seriously, releasing Hunt almost immediately. The Chiefs had asked Hunt about the incident after hearing about it, to which the running back wasn’t entirely honest with the organization. This was a key component to Hunt being let go. Many thought the running back would get another opportunity, which he did. The Cleveland Browns picked Hunt up, where he played the past 5 seasons. He did ultimately serve an 8-game suspension for the domestic assault incident.

In 2019, the Chiefs made their first Super Bowl under the helm of Patrick Mahomes. During that week, another video surfaced. This video was of Hunt being detained in a police car after being pulled over in Cleveland, which is also his home. In the video, police were questioning Hunt about some marijuana and an open container of vodka being found in his car. Hunt admitted to the officer that he would have failed an NFL drug test for marijuana. The officer, also a Browns fan, chastised Hunt, telling him not to screw up his chances in the league over some weed. He was given a simple traffic ticket and went on his way. What was heartbreaking was hearing Hunt acknowledge his former teammates who were preparing to win a Super Bowl in Miami. Hunt said he should have been there preparing for the big game.

“I should be playing for a freaking Super Bowl,” Hunt said in the video. “It hurts my soul. Like, you don’t understand, I’ve been fighting a lot of s— lately, man. It still hurts me to this day. I love Cleveland, I love the Browns, but you don’t understand, I’m just the worst person in the world sometimes, like, I guess. And I don’t even do nothing. Try to help everybody.”

After that, Hunt was only heard from on the football field. He never duplicated his success in Kansas City, but played well for the Browns, eventually becoming a complimentary back to Nick Chubb.

In 2022, the Browns did not re-sign Hunt, however, the running back returned to the team in 2023, signing a 1-year, $4 million deal after Chubb was lost for the season with an injury.

After not having anywhere to play in 2024, many thought Hunt’s football career could be over. Afterall, the back was approaching the ripe old age of 30, an age that signals the end, or at least beginning of the end for of a lot of NFL running backs. But, as luck would have it, the Chiefs were in need of help at the running back position after Isaiah Pacheco broke his fibula early in the season. Many balked at the thought of Hunt returning given how things ended, but as it goes in pro sports, you can never say never. But, what would Hunt be able to contribute with no training camp and arriving to the team from basically off his couch?

Hunt delivered in a big way, rushing for 728 yards and 7 touchdowns, he also caught 23 passes, becoming a big reason Kansas City was able to reach its third straight Super Bowl. The former standout for the Chiefs will now have an opportunity to finally get the ring that has eluded him.

In a moment that I will never forget, Hunt stayed on the field after all his teammates and most fans had left, following Kansas City’s 32-29 AFC Title game win over Buffalo. A photographer captured the moment, unbeknownst to Hunt. In that moment, it really hit home just how long of a road it has been for Hunt, who has acknowledged the Chiefs were right to part with him in 2018. All you could see in the photo is Hunt surrounded by the open field and confetti all around him. While fans and most players were celebrating another championship run that should never be taken for granted, Hunt appeared to be taking in the moment. Perhaps realizing his career had finally come full circle.

“Man, it’s a dream come true,” Hunt said, via NFLN’s Sara Walsh. “I remember all the long days with my high school track coach just training, praying to get another opportunity to play somewhere. Middle of September, late September I’m still just going up there every day. I could have quit, I could have quit. I could have just said, ‘Forget it, I might just hang it up.’ But I was just like, ‘Somebody is going to pick me up. I’m just praying.’ And it happened to be the greatest opportunity to come back home.” Hunt told

At 29, turning 30 in August, it’s clear Hunt still has plenty of gas in the tank and will have options after the Super Bowl. The Chiefs’ General Manager Brett Veach has gone on record as saying he would like Hunt back for next season. The Saints and Titans are also looking like potential suitors for Hunt. Hopefully, the Chiefs and Hunt can ink a deal, allowing the running back to finish his career where it all started, but for now, there’s still one more game to be played. The biggest game in the running back’s career.

Hunt told FOX4KC that he realizes the work is not done.

“I promise to make the most of the opportunity,” Hunt said, via FOX4KC. “The jobs not finished yet.”

The game of football is a lot like life, the score may be lopsided, and things may be stacked against you, but much like Kareem Hunt’s story shows, if you keep working to better yourself and learn from your mistakes, any score or obstacle can be overcome.

 Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images / Denny Medley-Imagn Images