Kareem Hunt’s time in Cleveland didn’t end the way either side wanted, but surprisingly the running back is getting a second chance. The former NFL rushing champion re-signed with the Browns eight months after he thought he had played his last game for the team.
“I I never closed the door completely or whatever, but I didn’t think it was a big possibility,” Hunt said, via Daryl Ruiter of 92.3 The Fan. “So there’s a reason things work out in certain situations, so I guess it was just for I thought about playing for my hometown again.”
During training camp in 2022, Hunt briefly missed team practices as he sought an extension, which never materialized. Then, during free agency, a report surfaced that the Browns had no interest in re-signing Hunt because they believed his speed was declining.
Hunt said no fences needed repairing.
“We get along,” Hunt said. “I have a lot of respect for everyone in this building, and it’s never been this far. So it was nice to see everyone, talk about expectations and things I can help with and just help this team win. I’m ready to come in and do whatever it takes just to help win. My biggest concern is to help win the Super Bowl.”
He will back up Jerome Ford this season after backing up Nick Chubb last season.
Chubb’s gruesome, season-ending left knee injury on Monday night is the reason Hunt is back.
“That hurt,” Hunt said. “I see. I saw it live and I hate to see this happen to one of my brothers and the man I care so much about who would go to war at any time of the day. It’s because of the circumstances, I guess. God just had a plan that would help me get back here.”