Chiefs RB Kareem Hunt cherishes full circle moment, evokes Kobe Bryant with Super Bowl LIX vs. Eagles now on deck
It has been a long road for Kansas City Chiefs RB Kareem Hunt to make it to this juncture. In 2017, the former third-round draft pick looked like he would be a part of Kansas City's future success, but that ended in 2018 through his own doing. The team released Hunt midseason after he was untruthful […]
It has been a long road for Kansas City Chiefs RB Kareem Hunt to make it to this juncture.
In 2017, the former third-round draft pick looked like he would be a part of Kansas City's future success, but that ended in 2018 through his own doing. The team released Hunt midseason after he was untruthful about a video that showed him kicking and shoving a woman outside his residence.
"Honestly, no, I didn't think I'd end up back here," Hunt told reporters in September. "But you know, it's crazy how some things happen to work out."
Hunt got a shot at redemption that is uncommon in the NFL and he didn't waste it.
The veteran halfback concluded the 32-29 AFC Championship Game win over the Bills with 64 yards on 17 carries, one rushing touchdown, and a reception for six yards. He capped a nine-play, 90-yard drive with a 12-yard rushing touchdown, marking the game’s first score during the Chiefs' opening series.
This was Hunt's second touchdown of the 2024 postseason, his third postseason rushing touchdown for the Chiefs and the seventh rushing touchdown of his playoff career.
He stopped to take it all in on the field after the AFC title game victory.
At one point before joining the Chiefs this season, he didn't know if he'd have another opportunity to play in the NFL, but now he's going to the Super Bowl recognizing a lifelong dream.
"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."
What kept him going? It sounds like unfinished business.
"Just my family and everybody," Hunt continued. "And just knowing how much I loved football. Last year, I wasn't 100% healthy, and this year, I felt great. I got my work done with my body and was able to train and stay in shape without having training camp and OTAs and come out here and do what I do."
Hunt didn't find himself shocked that Kansas City made it back. He was here to witness this dynasty when it was first getting started. He didn't get an opportunity to reap the rewards of their earliest successes, but he knew upon returning that he'd have the chance to recognize a lifelong dream alongside Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce as it was always meant to be.
"I'm not shocked because I was here when it all started," Hunt said. "I know how hard we work and how hard we attack the days. It's just a winning culture out here. Coming back here, when I first signed, I knew we'd have an opportunity to head back to the Super Bowl, and that's all I wanted."
However, getting to the big game is only the first part of Hunt and the team's ultimate goal. Like Lakers legend Kobe Bryant in the 2009 NBA Finals, Hunt recognizes that there is still work to be done in Super Bowl LIX.
"I promise to make the most of the opportunity," Hunt said, via FOX4KC. "The job's not finished yet."
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