When the Kansas City Chiefs re-signed Kareem Hunt, there was one significant obstacle to overcome — securing the approval of President and CEO Clark Hunt.
You may recall that in 2018, Clark Hunt publicly condemned the running back’s behavior before releasing him, emphasizing that “Kareem was not truthful in [his] discussions” with the team about the incident. Once video evidence surfaced showing Hunt’s actions in 2018, the team felt compelled to part ways with him.
“Well, going back six years ago, we were obviously very disappointed by the actions we saw in that video and how he handled it afterwards,” Clark Hunt said on October 16, 2024. “As we discussed it as an organization recently, both [general manager] Brett [Veach] and [head coach] Andy [Reid] assured me that they believed he had matured from the incident — that he had learned from his mistake [and] received the necessary help. As a result, we felt comfortable bringing him back.”
Clark Hunt also confirmed that he has now spoken to Kareem Hunt, something the running back said had not happened before Week 4.
“I have [spoken to Kareem],” Clark Hunt said during Week 7. “He expressed his gratitude for being back with the team. He knows it’s a great opportunity for him professionally. He understands that he left the team under difficult circumstances and is very happy to be back playing in front of our amazing fans.”
Full Statement From Clark Hunt on Kareem Hunt’s 2018 Release
The Chiefs have a reputation for offering second chances, but it becomes more challenging when a player has been dishonest in the past. This was likely the main issue with Kareem Hunt’s situation.
“Earlier this year, we became aware of an incident involving running back Kareem Hunt,” Clark Hunt said in his 2018 statement. “At that time, the National Football League and law enforcement began investigations. During our internal conversations with Kareem, several members of our management team spoke directly with him. Kareem was not honest in those discussions. The video released today confirms that. We are releasing Kareem immediately.”
In a subsequent interview with NFL.com a few weeks after the release, the Chiefs President and CEO added: “The most important thing for Kareem is to get counseling to help him with his issues — and I heard today there’s a report he plans to do that. We wish Kareem the best for his future… Our message to him was, ‘Even though we have to let you go today, we still support you — and if you need help off the field, we are willing to provide that.’”
Kareem Hunt Reflects on How His Release Helped Him Get Back on Track
During a media session on September 25, 2024, Kareem Hunt shared that his release from the Chiefs had a positive impact on his life in the long term.
“I was very young at the time, 23,” he said. “I had a lot of success, but I guess I needed time to figure myself out and learn. Looking back, I think it was good for me to do that.”
The running back also acknowledged that the Chiefs made it clear they “wanted the best” for him at the time.
“I regret how the situation turned out, but in hindsight, [getting released] made me a stronger person and taught me a lot about myself,” Hunt reflected. He added earlier, “I learned that I need to think carefully before every decision.”
