The Chiefs released him in 2018 due to off-field issues

On Wednesday, Kareem Hunt stepped onto the practice field with the rest of the Kansas City Chiefs players for the first time in nearly six years.

The moment marks the end of a long hiatus after the Chiefs abruptly released him in 2018 due to off-field issues involving an altercation and his dishonesty about the incident.

Hunt’s opportunity

Hunt is now part of the Chiefs’ practice squad, rejoining the organization under vastly different circumstances. Much like his approach in free agency in 2023, Hunt waited for the right opportunity.

That opportunity came when starting running back Isiah Pacheco fractured his fibula during Sunday’s game, leaving the Chiefs in urgent need of a replacement. Head coach Andy Reid confirmed that Pacheco would undergo surgery and could be out until the 2025 offseason.

“We’ll get him in here and get some work, kind of get him back in the swing of playing, and then we’ll just see,” Reid said. “As the game gets closer, we’ll see how things go there and so on. But [we’ll] try to get him in a position where he’s ready to play either this week, next week or the following week. We’ll just see how long it takes.”

The severity of the situation seems to have softened any previous hesitations about bringing Hunt back. His release in 2018 stemmed from an incident in which Hunt misled Chiefs personnel about his involvement in an altercation with a woman.

When video footage of the incident surfaced, the team made the decision to part ways with the then-23-year-old running back.

At the time of his release, Reid encouraged Hunt to take time away from football to get the help he needed and to seek a fresh start elsewhere. Hunt eventually found that new beginning with the Cleveland Browns, where he spent five seasons before entering free agency once again.

A close relationship with Mahomes

Throughout his time in Cleveland, Hunt kept in close contact with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, solidifying a friendship that has endured despite their time apart. Hunt even attended Mahomes’ wedding in 2022, a sign of their continued connection.

“He came to my wedding,” said Mahomes. “He went to Cleveland, had a good career there, has learned and become a better person, and I’m glad to have him back now. Let’s get him accustomed to the offense and see how fast we can get him out there.”