Kareem Hunt Chiefs Stats
The Kansas City Chiefs have had a parade of dynamic playmakers in the Patrick Mahomes era, but one of the first sparks of this dominant run came from a young running back named Kareem Hunt. Though his tenure with the Chiefs was cut short, his impact was undeniable. Let’s break down Hunt’s impressive stats from his time in Kansas City and what made him such an electric presence in their backfield.
Rookie Sensation: Taking the NFL by Storm
Entering the league as a third-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft (86th overall), Hunt wasted no time making a name for himself. Tasked with filling in for the injured Spencer Ware, he immediately turned heads in his first NFL game. On his first-ever carry in a Chiefs uniform, Hunt fumbleda disastrous start for any running back. But what followed was legendary. Hunt rebounded spectacularly, finishing that debut against the New England Patriots with **148 rushing yards, 98 receiving yards, and three touchdowns.** That memorable performance was just the beginning. Hunt went on to lead the league in rushing yards as a rookie, finishing with:
The Chiefs had clearly struck gold with Hunt, who quickly became the engine of their offense before Mahomes took over as the full-time starter the following year.
Building on Success in 2018
With Mahomes stepping into the spotlight in 2018, Hunt’s role remained crucial. Now operating in an offense that would become one of the most explosive in NFL history, Hunt showcased even more of his all-around ability. Before his season was cut short after 11 games, Hunt had already racked up:
That second season proved he was more than just a power backhe had the explosiveness and versatility to thrive in any situation. His **7 receiving touchdowns** in 11 games highlighted how dangerous he had become in Andy Reid’s offensive system.
Shock Departure from Kansas City
While Hunt was well on his way to becoming one of the faces of the franchise, off-field issues led to an abrupt end to his time in Kansas City. In November 2018, he was placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List following the release of a video showing an altercation earlier that year. The Chiefs, despite Hunt’s on-field success, swiftly released him. This decision wasn’t about talentit was about team culture and accountability. Kansas City moved forward, relying on other backs like Damien Williams and later Clyde Edwards-Helaire to fill the void left by Hunt’s departure.
What Could Have Been
Had Hunt stayed in Kansas City, there’s little doubt that he would have been a key piece in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl runs. His combination of power, speed, and pass-catching ability made him a perfect fit for Mahomes’ high-powered attack. Despite his early exit, Hunt still left his mark on Kansas City’s record books. Across **27 total games**, his Chiefs stats stacked up impressively:
Those numbers tell the story of a player who could have been a long-term star in Kansas City if circumstances had played out differently.
Legacy and the Road Ahead
Though Hunt went on to have a productive stint with the Cleveland Browns, splitting carries with Nick Chubb, his time in Kansas City remains the most electrifying chapter of his career. His departure opened the door for the Chiefs’ current offensive dominance, but it’s hard not to wonder what the Chiefs’ backfield would have looked like in those deep playoff runs with Hunt in the mix. While his Chiefs era didn’t end as planned, one thing is certainwhen Kareem Hunt was in Kansas City, he was a force to be reckoned with. Chiefs fans will always remember the explosive runs, the highlight catches, and the excitement he brought every time he touched the ball.
