When Kareem Hunt left Kansas City in 2018, it wasn’t on his terms. A promising career was derailed by an off-field incident that forced the Chiefs to release one of the NFL’s most dynamic young backs. For years, Hunt’s name has carried both brilliance and baggage.
But for Isiah Pacheco — the fiery young star who now anchors the Chiefs’ backfield — Hunt’s story isn’t one of disgrace. It’s one of redemption.
“Kareem’s proof that people can grow,” Pacheco said after practice this week. “He fell, but he got up. That’s something I respect.”
It was a statement that surprised some reporters and resonated deeply with fans who remember Hunt’s early days in red and gold. Before controversy struck, he was a phenomenon — leading the league in rushing as a rookie, bringing life to Arrowhead Stadium every Sunday. His fall from grace was as public as his rise had been meteoric.
Pacheco, who was just beginning his college career when Hunt’s story unfolded, said he studied his film long before he ever put on a Chiefs uniform. “You watch his balance, his burst — it’s crazy,” he said. “But what sticks with me now is how he came back. He didn’t hide. He worked.”
That theme — resilience after failure — has become part of Kansas City’s cultural DNA. Head coach Andy Reid has long preached accountability and second chances. It’s why Pacheco’s comments felt so fitting.
“Football mirrors life,” Reid said. “You make mistakes, you get knocked down, and you decide how you’re gonna respond. That’s what separates people.”
Inside the locker room, Pacheco’s respect for Hunt has sparked reflection among teammates. “We all saw what happened,” tight end Travis Kelce said. “But we also saw a dude rebuild himself. That takes guts.”
Fans, too, have weighed in online, many expressing admiration for Pacheco’s empathy. “That’s leadership,” one comment read. “No judgment — just respect for the grind.”
Meanwhile, Brashard Smith — the rookie still finding his place — said Hunt’s story serves as both a cautionary tale and a source of motivation. “You realize how fast things can change,” Smith said. “It makes you appreciate every rep.”
For Hunt, who’s continued to carve out a career in Cleveland, the admiration hasn’t gone unnoticed. Sources close to him said he appreciated Pacheco’s words and remains grateful for his time in Kansas City. “There’s always love for that city,” Hunt reportedly told a friend. “Always.”
The NFL is full of comeback stories, but few carry the emotional complexity of Hunt’s. For Pacheco, that’s what makes it worth talking about. “You can’t erase the past,” he said. “But you can write a better next chapter.”
In a league often dominated by highlight reels and hot takes, that message stands out — a reminder that athletes are human first.
As the Chiefs chase another Super Bowl run, Pacheco’s comments have given fans a new reason to rally behind him. He’s not just playing for yards and touchdowns; he’s playing for perspective.
“Guys like Kareem paved the way,” he said. “I just want to carry that torch the right way.”
And in doing so, Pacheco may be leading Kansas City toward more than another championship — he’s leading them toward compassion, understanding, and the belief that redemption is always possible.
Follow for updates on how the Chiefs’ running back room continues to evolve — both on and off the field.
