Travis Kelce Addresses Return of Controversial 'Good Friend' to the Chiefs

When the Chiefs take the field on Sunday against the Chargers in Los Angeles, there will be a new face on the field, one who will actually be an old face. That would be Kareem Hunt, of course, the former Chiefs star running back who was released by the team six years ago but was signed back to the roster two weeks ago.

Hunt made a splash in 2017 when, as a third-round pick out of Toledo, he led the NFL with 1,327 yards rushing. But the Chiefs cut him the following season after video emerged of him assaulting a woman, which drew a controversial suspension from the NFL.

Now Hunt, having been with the Browns off and on for five years, is back in Kansas City, helping to fill the void left by Isiah Pacheco, the starting running back who had surgery on his fibula and could miss the season.

One player especially excited about Hunt’s return is star tight end Travis Kelce, who is—like Hunt—from the Cleveland area. Ahead of Week 5, Kelce addressed Hunt’s return.

“My brother from another (mother), man,” Kelce told reporters . “He’s a good ol’ Northeast Ohio ball player right there. He plays the game right. He really is a good friend of mine, he is a great guy. Outside of everything that happened, I always had in the back of my mind, I really hope he gets another chance. Not only here but another chance in the league to start.

“And sure enough, he got that chance. Just happy to have the guy back in the building. It’s been nothing but smiles and laughs since he got back in the building. Excited to see him back on the field on Sunday.”

Kelce was asked how Hunt has looked on the practice field so far.

“Flying around, man. He looks like Kareem Hunt,” Kelce said.

Kansas City is 3-0 though the offense has been under some scrutiny, having produced 984 yards this season, which ranks 14 ^th in the NFL . Hunt might not be the cure-all for the Chiefs’ issues, though. While he averaged 4.9 yards per carry as a rookie with the Chiefs, that dropped to just 3.0 yards per carry with the Browns last season.