Chiefs Reactivate Kareem Hunt Six Years After Releasing Him

Kansas City, Mo. — Kareem Hunt returned to the Kansas City Chiefs, a moment that felt surreal for him. As he walked out of the team’s practice facility in 2018, it was hard to imagine that he would ever don the Chiefs jersey again.

Hunt expressed his surprise upon rejoining the team after a stint on the practice squad. “It’s crazy how some things happened to work out,” he said with a mix of excitement and nerves. He acknowledged that while he felt a flood of emotions, the familiarity of being around his teammates helped ease his transition.

The Chiefs made the decision to activate Hunt for their upcoming game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Coach Andy Reid confirmed Hunt’s place on the active roster, sparking anticipation for both fans and players alike.

Hunt’s journey back to the Chiefs is no ordinary story. The team had released him midway through the 2018 season when footage emerged of him kicking and shoving a woman outside his home. At that time, the Chiefs stated that Hunt had not been honest about the incident when questioned. Following his release, he signed with the Cleveland Browns, where he played for five seasons.

Reflecting on his past, Hunt shared that he was just 23 during those turbulent times. He felt the need to grow and learn from his experiences. “I had a lot of success going for me and felt like I needed time to figure myself out,” he commented, acknowledging that the move to the Browns allowed him to gain insights about life and relationships.

While at Cleveland, Hunt had to grapple with watching the Chiefs achieve greatness from a distance. The team secured the Super Bowl title in 2019, the year after his release, and went on to win again in 2022 and 2023. “I had to think about the good, positive things,” he said. His loyalty to the organization remained unshaken, and he was genuinely happy for Coach Reid and his teammates’ successes.

Now that he has rejoined the Chiefs, Hunt has the opportunity to contribute to another championship run. “That’s been my goal,” he declared, emphasizing that earning a championship ring has been a lifelong dream. He is eager to help the team defend their title this season.

As Hunt prepares to face the Chargers, Coach Reid indicated uncertainty regarding his playing time. In the previous game, the Chiefs utilized rookie Carson Steele and veteran Samaje Perine as their running backs, so it remains to be seen how much action Hunt will see.

No matter the circumstances, Hunt is determined to uphold the standard of play he established during his earlier years with the organization. He made a significant impact as a rookie in 2017, leading the NFL in rushing yards, and was on track for another strong season before his release in 2018. “I believe I’m very capable of that still,” he stated confidently.

Hunt conveyed his excitement about reconnecting with the team and the privilege of wearing the red uniform again. “Once that day comes, it’s going to feel real because it has been a long time coming,” he commented. His dedication to playing at the highest level remains unwavering, and he aims to contribute positively to the team’s ongoing success.

With a mix of past lessons and newfound determination, Hunt’s return could be a key factor in the Chiefs’ hunt for another championship. As the team gears up for the season’s challenges ahead, he is ready to put everything on the line for his teammates.