50 Facts About Kareem Hunt

Early Life and College Career

Kareem Hunt's journey to the NFL began in Ohio, where he showcased his talent early on.

1. Early Life: Kareem Hunt attended South High School in Willoughby, Ohio. There, he played for the Rebels football team.
2. High School Performance: As a junior, Hunt rushed for 2,519 yards and 39 touchdowns. His senior year was even more impressive with 2,685 yards and 44 touchdowns.
3. College Commitment: Hunt committed to the University of Toledo to play college football.
4. College Statistics: During his time at Toledo, he ran for 4,945 yards, averaged 6.3 yards per rush, and scored 44 touchdowns.
5. Receiving Skills: Hunt also hauled in 73 receptions for 555 yards and an additional touchdown during his college career.
6. College Honors: He was recognized for his outstanding performance in the Mid-American Conference.

NFL Draft and Rookie Season

Hunt's transition to the NFL was marked by immediate success and some challenges.

7. NFL Draft: The Kansas City Chiefs selected Kareem Hunt in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
8. Draft Concerns: Despite being considered a marginal prospect due to his 4.62 40-yard dash speed, Hunt's talent and production made him an attractive pick.
9. Rookie Debut: In his rookie debut, Hunt ran for 246 yards from scrimmage and scored three touchdowns against the New England Patriots.
10. Rookie Season: Hunt ran for 1,327 yards and eight touchdowns on 272 carries. He also caught 45 balls for 455 yards and three touchdowns.
11. Pro Bowl Selection: Hunt was selected to the 2018 Pro Bowl as a rookie after leading the NFL in rushing yards.
12. Rookie Records: He became the first rookie running back to score six touchdowns in his first three games.

Controversies and Suspension

Despite his on-field success, Hunt faced significant off-field challenges.

13. Physical Altercation: In February 2018, a video surfaced showing Hunt allegedly involved in an altercation with a woman in a hotel.
14. Chiefs Release: The Kansas City Chiefs released Hunt in November 2018 after the video of the altercation surfaced.
15. Suspension: Hunt was suspended for eight games of the 2019 season due to the incident.
16. Anger Management Counseling: Hunt has been involved in anger management and alcohol counseling as part of the NFL's conduct policy.
17. Police Calls: Multiple calls to police dispatch were related to the altercation, highlighting the severity of the incident.
18. Chiefs' Awareness: The Chiefs were aware of the February assault and had spoken to Hunt even while he took the field for them at the start of the season.

Cleveland Browns Era

Hunt found a new opportunity with the Cleveland Browns, where he continued to showcase his talent.

19. Cleveland Browns Signing: The Cleveland Browns signed Hunt to a one-year deal worth up to $4 million in 2019.
20. Dynamic Duo: During his time with the Browns, Hunt formed a dynamic duo with fellow star teammate Nick Chubb.
21. Contract Extension: Hunt signed a two-year $13.25 million extension with the Browns.
22. Increased Output: This extension significantly increased his carry total and receiving output.
23. Fantasy Football Impact: In 2021, his 3.61 yards created per touch ranked eighth among running backs.
24. Injuries: Nagging injuries resulted in him playing only eight games in the 2021 season.
25. Fantasy Ranking: He finished as the RB50 in fantasy and the RB21 on a per-game basis.

Career Statistics and Achievements

Hunt's career has been marked by impressive statistics and notable achievements.

26. Height and Weight: Hunt stands at 5 feet 10 inches and weighs 216 pounds.
27. NFL Combine Stats: At the NFL Combine, Hunt recorded a 40-yard dash time of 4.62 seconds, an arm length of 31 3/8 inches, and a hand span of 9 5/8 inches.
28. Pro Day Stats: On his pro day, Hunt ran a 4.60-second 40-yard dash, slightly faster than his combine time.
29. Rushing Yards Leader: In 2017, Hunt was third in the NFL in rushing yards behind Todd Gurley and Le'Veon Bell.
30. Receiving Yards: In addition to his rushing yards, Hunt caught 45 balls for 455 yards and three touchdowns in 2017.
31. Postseason Performance: In the postseason, Hunt has played in several games, contributing both rushing and receiving yards.
32. Career Milestones: As of the end of the 2023 season, Hunt has played in four games, rushing for 33 times and gaining 148 yards.
33. Pro Bowl Appearance: Hunt's selection to the 2018 Pro Bowl as a rookie was a significant honor.
34. Comparison to Legends: Hunt's performance in his first three games was compared to legendary running backs like Marshall Faulk, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Barry Sanders.
35. Career Longevity: The correlation between a rookie running back's performance in their first three games and their rest-of-season output is weak.

Future Prospects

Hunt's future in the NFL remains uncertain, but his talent and potential are undeniable.

36. Contract Expiration: Hunt's contract expired in 2021, making him a free agent again.
37. NFL Conduct Policy: The NFL's conduct policy includes counseling as part of its disciplinary actions.
38. Public Perception: The public's perception of Hunt's signing with the Browns was mixed.
39. Suspension Impact: Hunt's suspension had a significant impact on his playing time and performance.
40. Fantasy Football Impact: In fantasy football, Hunt's inconsistent playing time due to injuries has affected his performance.
41. Legacy: Despite the challenges he has faced, Kareem Hunt remains a dynamic and talented running back in the NFL.
42. Anger Management Sessions: Hunt's involvement in anger management and alcohol counseling is a positive step towards addressing his past behavior.
43. Chiefs' Decision: The Kansas City Chiefs' decision to release Hunt after the video of the altercation surfaced was a significant move.
44. Browns' Signing: The Cleveland Browns' decision to sign Hunt despite the controversy surrounding him was a bold move.
45. NFL's Conduct Policy: The NFL's conduct policy includes counseling as part of its disciplinary actions.
46. Suspension Length: Hunt was initially suspended for six games due to the domestic violence incident.
47. Career Statistics: As of the end of the 2023 season, Hunt has played in four games, rushing for 33 times and gaining 148 yards.
48. Postseason Performance: In the postseason, Hunt has played in one game for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2017, rushing for 11 yards and catching three passes for five yards.
49. College Honors: During his time at the University of Toledo, Hunt was recognized for his outstanding performance.
50. Pro Day Performance: On his pro day, Hunt improved his 40-yard dash time to 4.60 seconds.

Kareem Hunt: A Complex Legacy

Kareem Hunt's career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. From his standout performances at the University of Toledo to leading the NFL in rushing yards during his rookie season with the Kansas City Chiefs, Hunt's talent is undeniable. However, his off-field issues, including a high-profile altercation and subsequent suspension, have cast a shadow over his achievements. Despite these challenges, Hunt found a second chance with the Cleveland Browns, where he continued to showcase his skills alongside Nick Chubb. His journey highlights the complexities of professional sports, where talent and personal conduct both play crucial roles. As Hunt's future in the NFL remains uncertain, his story serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and redemption. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see what the next chapter holds for this dynamic running back.