One of the most compelling stories from the 2024 Kansas City Chiefs was the return of running back Kareem Hunt. After coming off the couch in week four, he joined the team and was thrown straight into the action. In the end, he led all Chiefs’ running backs in yards, carries, and touchdowns.
Although there was doubt that he would ever rejoin the Kansas City Chiefs, maturity and a second chance brought him back to the team that drafted him in 2017. In those early days, he was among the top young running backs in the NFL, but an off-the-field incident interrupted his stay in Kansas City.
Still, when Isiah Pacheco went down with an ankle injury in week two, Head Coach Andy Reid called Kareem Hunt, and shortly afterward, he was in Kansas City to take a physical. The rest is history, and now, with a full offseason that included team workouts, a new diet, and less sugar, he’s ready to compete for more playing time.
“Yeah, for sure. It’s definitely an advantage. I get to be around guys who (are) pushing me, guys who (are) challenging me each and every day. Instead of me trying to push myself, by myself, working out and staying in shape and making sure I hold myself accountable, with what I eat and what I do in my off time,” Hunt said.
The Chiefs re-signed Hunt to a one-year deal, and at age 30, he probably doesn’t have many NFL seasons left, but he seems to be in the best shape of his career. Additionally, for those doubting his roster spot, he’s the top short-yardage back in the NFL. He proved that last year time and again.
“I take pride in whatever I do. That’s one of those things – those are big time plays (and) people don’t understand how hard (it is) to get those two or three yards and punch it in. Those keep the drives alive and get us more opportunities to make big plays. So, that’s one of those things I take pride in, and you know, it’s a mindset thing,” Hunt stated.
The competition for the running back spot is fierce. Hunt is battling Pacheco, free agent signing Elijah Mitchell, rookie Brashard Smith, and Carson Steele. It’s unlikely Reid will keep four running backs and a fullback, so one player will probably be left out.
Pacheco has some trade value, and since he will be an unrestricted free agent after the season, he could be traded to another team. However, that depends on how the other backs perform in training camp.
On Sunday, Reid will have his first padded practice, which will start to separate the players from one another. Right now, everyone looks fast and is flying toward the ball, but when the shoulder pads go on, it’s a whole new practice mindset.
For Hunt, he’ll be ready to go, and I wouldn’t bet against his spot on the 53-man roster. He’s too valuable, and every team needs a savvy veteran who can grind out the tough yards when the game is on the line.
Fueling that confidence further is the support of the coaching staff and strong backing from his teammates, who noticed the maturity he demonstrated last year.
“I get to be around guys who (are) pushing me, guys who (are) challenging me each and every day. Instead of me trying to push myself, by myself, working out and staying in shape and making sure I hold myself accountable, with what I eat and what I do in my off time,” Hunt added.
