RB Kareem Hunt (9.20.23)
Hey, Kareem. Welcome back, man. Hey, first of all, how good does it feel to be back?
“It feels great. You know being back in the building that I’ve been at for the past four or five years and seeing all these faces and a motivated team.”
You’re coming back under really interesting circumstances. Can you just talk about how bad you obviously feel for Nick (Chubb)?
“That one hurt, seeing that. I watched it live and I hate seeing that happen to one of my brothers and a guy that I care so much about and would go to war for any time of the day. And it’s the circumstances, I guess God just had a plan to help guide me back here.”
Have you gotten a chance to talk to Nick and how is he feeling in terms of if you have talked to him?
“I just said my quick words to him. Just I’m praying for him and praying for a strong recovery and I told him he’ll be back, man. He’s the greatest. He’s a great one. So, he’ll be back.”
And then for you to be back here and playing with Jerome Ford, you know, his abilities from last year, how do you think that pairs with what you’re able to do in the backfield? How do you think your duo operates here?
“I think it’s great. Jerome’s very young. He’s talented, got a lot of speed and he’s made a big jump. He’s just growing and getting better. So, I’m excited to see us paired together, how we can wear down defenses and break runs.”
Hey, Kareem. Welcome back. Can you just talk about you know, so many times we have talked to you and you have talked so much about wanting someday to win a championship here with the Cleveland Browns. What does it feel like to be back? And to know that now you actually have the chance to do this when it was once again taken away from you and you were gone for a while?
“You know it’s quite exciting I guess because, you know, I’m from Cleveland, born and raised, like I always say. And I still want to bring a championship here and help contribute. That was my biggest goal for the past four years to do everything I can to you know, bring one to the hometown. So, it feels good. They have a great team. The team is great. Love the defense, love the offense that we have. And I’m excited to see us put it all together and gel it together and keep working to get to the end goal.”
And I’m told real quick that you have come in here about ten pounds down from what you played at last year, which means you probably should be hitting the holes and you should be a little bit more explosive. Right?
“I mean, most definitely. I came ready to play and win, man. I’m just ready to go out there and showcase my talent. I know what I bring to the table when I play the game of football, so I’m excited.”
Hey, Kareem. Did you think it was possible that you could come back given you were a free agent in March?
“I never fully closed the door or whatnot, but I didn’t think it was a big possibility. Things work out in situations for a reason, so I guess it was just meant for me to come play for the hometown again.”
Did any fences have to be mended? Last year obviously, you asked for the trade at one point, and then they let you go. Did you have to clear it, smooth anything over?
“Like I said, we get along. I have mad respect for everybody in this building, and it was never to that point. So, it was good to see everybody talk over expectations and things that I can help and just help the team win. I’m willing to come in and do whatever it takes just to help win. My biggest thing is to help win a Super Bowl.”
Hey, Kareem. Obviously, I’m sure you didn’t have plans to not sign with somebody until September, so what was the free agency process like for you? Did you kind of expect things to go differently after you kind of left here?
“I mean, a little bit, but I just stayed patient, and the running back market hasn’t been the best. So I was just staying patient, seeing what was the right fit for me and where I could help out any team and play.”
How important was that kind of being patient, waiting for that right situation as opposed to kind of just jumping at the first opportunity, especially now that you did end up back here?
“I mean, it worked out, obviously. I’m right up the street from my house. I guess it worked out in ways that I can’t even explain. So I’m grateful to be here. Still got a lot of love for Cleveland.”
I just want to ask how much familiarity should make this transition back into the buildings fairly smooth for you?
“Yeah, it’s similar. I kind of know the playbook and everything already, so I’m just waiting for my number to get called and being ready to take hits and stuff like that.”
Also, a little more about Jerome. I’m sure you’re probably watching the game on Monday. What’s different about him from what you remember of him a year ago?
“He’s growing up, man. He’s learning. He’s playing harder. And we all know about his speed, and yeah, he’s just putting it all together, and it’s pretty cool to see how he’s grown from last year to this year.”
Hey, Kareem, just like, wanted to ask, is this kind of dragged on and you were still looking for a team and everything? How did you make sure your confidence didn’t dip? And how, mentally, have you tried to stay ready for when your opportunity would come?
“I just love the game of football. I knew I was going to play this year. I could have taken some other deals, which I guess would have let me play football. But other than that, I just stayed patient with what was right for me and my family and just put it in God’s hands, and honestly, it worked out. Back at home.”
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