NEW ORLEANS – As Kareem Hunt prepares to play in his first Super Bowl, the Kansas City Chiefs running back reflects on how he once thought his opportunity for this career highlight had slipped away.

“Honestly, I’m thankful for this second chance,” Hunt, 29, shared as he reminisced about his complex path to Super Bowl 59.

His initial stint with the Chiefs ended badly in 2018 when a video released by TMZ showed him pushing a woman against a wall and kicking her during an altercation at a hotel in Cleveland. Following this incident, the Chiefs released him, claiming he had lied about what happened, despite having led the NFL in rushing and making the Pro Bowl during his rookie season.

Now, Hunt is back with the team, contributing significantly to their pursuit of a championship.

“I’ve learned a lot from that experience,” Hunt explained. “I’ve realized the importance of thinking before acting. Emotions can cloud judgment. It humbled me. I thought I was at the pinnacle of my career, but that experience taught me that not everyone has your best interests at heart. You need to be careful about who you surround yourself with.”

Hunt did not receive any criminal charges since the victim did not cooperate with law enforcement. However, after joining the Cleveland Browns, he was suspended for the first eight games of the 2019 season for breaches of the NFL’s personal conduct policy.

He played five seasons with the Browns but struggled to replicate his rookie strength, when he rushed for 1,327 yards. His time in Cleveland was also marred by another incident, where he was pulled over for speeding in January 2020, just before the Chiefs’ Super Bowl 54 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. During that traffic stop, he confessed to the officer that he felt he had “lost everything” and lamented, “I should be playing in a freaking Super Bowl. It hurts my heart more than you can imagine.”

Hunt entered the NFL in 2017 as a third-round draft pick from Toledo and was part of a Chiefs draft class that included superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Had he maintained his career trajectory post-rookie season, he could have been competing for his fourth Super Bowl ring. However, his downfall began with that incident involving the woman, a situation reminiscent of the Ray Rice scandal in 2014 that drastically changed the NFL’s approach to domestic violence. The Chiefs were met with widespread support for releasing Hunt immediately.

“It changed my perspective because I went from being at the top of my game to the lowest point,” Hunt recounted. “It taught me how to rebuild myself. I knew it wouldn’t happen overnight; I just had to believe in myself and make the right choices.”

Head Coach Andy Reid’s offer of another opportunity for Hunt isn’t surprising given Reid’s history of providing second chances to players. He famously gave Michael Vick a chance to revive his career after serving 18 months for dogfighting.

After Hunt’s release, Reid occasionally reached out to check on Hunt. Following the AFC title game, Reid noted that he sensed growth in Hunt during a conversation at Mahomes’ wedding in 2022.

“It felt amazing,” Hunt recalled about reconnecting with Reid. “I hadn’t seen him since 2018. It was great to catch up and see how he was concerned about my well-being. He mentioned, ‘Maybe we’ll find a way to get you back.’ That conversation was a few years ago, and now we’re here.”

However, as much as Reid has shown kindness, Hunt’s current presence on the team also highlights the practical side of the NFL. Hunt had not been part of any offseason programs or training camps before the season but was signed by the Chiefs after starting running back Isiah Pacheco suffered a fractured ankle in Week 2.

Talent can open doors, and Hunt certainly made the most out of his opportunity. In 13 games, he led the Chiefs with 728 rushing yards on 200 carries, marking the highest number of touches he’s had in a season since his rookie year. He celebrated his first 100-yard game in four years during his second game back.

Hunt has also excelled in short-yardage situations with his determined approach to running.

“He performed well,” Reid said. “I joked that we just picked him up from the couch and threw him into action. He had 21 plays in his first game and 27 in the second. We put him right to work, and he handled it like a pro.”

Hunt commented, “It’s true. I was working out at the high school and going to the YMCA for sauna sessions and stretches, just trying to stay fit. I didn’t know if an opportunity would arise, so when I received that call, I was thrilled and told them, ‘You won’t regret this.’”

Looking back, Hunt recalls another pivotal moment when Reid offered him a second chance after he fumbled on his very first carry in the NFL during the season opener against New England.

“I thought my career was over,” Hunt joked. “I felt like a total bust.”

Reid reassured him on the sidelines, saying, “Relax. When we get the ball back, we’re giving it right back to you.” That moment was yet another opportunity for redemption. Hunt went on to have an incredible NFL debut, rushing for 147 yards and a touchdown, while also catching 98 yards and scoring two touchdowns.

Since then, he has not fumbled again in the NFL.

Yet his most impressive comeback lies in the maturity he has gained from navigating difficult lessons.

Follow Jarrett Bell on social media @JarrettBell