NEW ORLEANS — Recently, Kareem Hunt found himself pondering whether he would ever again have the chance to carry a football in the National Football League. Similarly, Matt Araiza wrestled with doubts about whether he would ever punt a ball in an NFL game. However, a combination of demand and opportunity led the Kansas City Chiefs to offer both players a chance to not only continue their football careers but also possibly restart them. Now, as they aim to contribute to the Chiefs’ unprecedented quest for a third consecutive Super Bowl title, both Hunt and Araiza feel a sense of fulfillment.
“This honestly feels like a bit of redemption,” Hunt remarked in an interview on Thursday, the last day of a hectic media schedule leading up to their significant matchup against the Eagles. “It’s like a blessing, and it feels like it was meant to be.”
The journeys of Hunt and Araiza share themes of triumph and adversity but are distinctly unique in their narratives. Hunt commenced his NFL path with the Chiefs, arriving in the same draft class as Patrick Mahomes, who soon became a close friend. During his rookie season, Hunt rushed for over 1,300 yards, making a significant impact on a franchise on the rise, earning a Pro Bowl selection and securing second place to Alvin Kamara for the AP Rookie of the Year award.
However, Hunt’s promising career hit a speed bump when a video emerged in November 2018 showing him kicking a woman in a Cleveland hotel hallway. While law enforcement did not charge him after the woman withdrew her cooperation, the Chiefs acted quickly to sever ties with their star running back. After signing with the Browns, Hunt faced an eight-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Over the next five years, he amassed more than 2,200 rushing yards in a shared backfield with the Browns.
This year, Hunt underwent surgery to address a sports hernia that limited his performance the previous season. Although the surgery went well, many teams steered clear of him, leaving him without a team as the season commenced. It wasn’t until the Chiefs’ Isiah Pacheco suffered an injury that Hunt decided to reach out to Kansas City’s head coach, Andy Reid. Hunt and Reid had maintained their friendship, having even discussed Hunt’s past at Mahomes’ wedding. Reid agreed to give him a chance.
“Andy has a big heart and sees the best in everyone,” Hunt expressed. “He knows me personally and has been like a father figure, a role model for me. He believes in second chances because he understands our capability to handle responsibilities.”
On the other hand, Araiza, known for his powerful kicks during his time at San Diego State and nicknamed “Punt God,” was initially caught in a saga that hindered his career. The Chiefs sought a kicker to replace Tommy Townsend when they discovered Araiza’s legal troubles. Just before the 2022 preseason with the Buffalo Bills, a woman had filed a lawsuit against him, alleging he was involved in a gang assault at an off-campus party. Araiza, along with other players mentioned, claimed their encounters were consensual. Following a detailed investigation, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office concluded in December that no criminal charges would be pursued against him.
In July 2023, Araiza filed a defamation lawsuit against the accuser. The legal entanglements concluded in December when both parties agreed to dismiss their respective lawsuits without admission of wrongdoing or the exchange of monetary compensation.
“It’s been a lengthy journey,” acknowledged Chiefs general manager Brett Veach. “We conducted thorough inquiries through our intel and security teams. Once we cleared that hurdle, it presented a solid opportunity for him. He likely deserved to be back in the league sooner.”
Although Araiza rarely addressed the details of the case, he did convey that there were instances where he contemplated shifting to a different profession during the prolonged ordeal. “Honestly, it was an ongoing internal battle,” Araiza admitted. “There were plenty of times where I thought it was completely over for me.”
Now, both Hunt and Araiza stand on the brink of something significant, vying for a Super Bowl ring with a franchise that was open to giving them another shot. “Just make sure you keep your nose clean, right? That’s essential,” Reid noted, emphasizing the importance of focusing on football. “I believe that people deserve a second chance if they are willing to work on their issues.”
