Kareem Hunt is excited to write the rest of his story with the Chiefs

On a hectic day for the Kansas City Chiefs offense in their 23-14 divisional playoff victory over the Houston Texans on Saturday, the team’s first touchdown finally came with just over four minutes left in the first half. The way that touchdown was scored once seemed unthinkable.

Running back Kareem Hunt – the team’s third-round selection in the 2017 NFL Draft – had the 1-yard touchdown run. Saturday marked Hunt’s first postseason action as a Chief since January 6, 2018. Less than a year after that divisional round loss to the Tennessee Titans, an off-field incident saw him released at the time where Kansas City transformed into an NFL heavyweight.

Speaking after the match, Hunt left no doubt about the emotions the game stirred up.

“Emotions are definitely running high,” he confirmed. “I feel blessed. It’s like a dream come true again, and I feel like I’ve left a lot of things undone before. So now I’m excited to be able to write the rest of the story.

The Chiefs put Hunt in a position to write the rest of his story sparingly and rest through the regular season. The veteran knows the time off has been good for his body.

“I felt fresh, definitely,” he said. “Not taking as many hits and being able to train, move around (and) feel good about my fitness.”

Hunt’s touchdown was the first time either team found the end zone, and the Chiefs generally felt in control of the game afterward. Hunt credited the early effort, both from the offensive line and tight end Travis Kelce.

“Honestly, it was pretty well blocked,” he observed. “A little jab step – (I) just followed Travis through the little crease and had to run through an arm tackle. Excellent blocking. »

Hunt finished the day with eight carries for 44 yards and a touchdown. Most of his work (six carries for 39 yards) actually took place in the fourth quarter. He described how long he had his day as the Chiefs seemingly waited to use him as a closer in the final frame.

“I stood by the heater and kept my mind focused on the game,” Hunt recalled, “waiting for that opportunity to get my number and be ready to go out there and make the most of every opportunity .”

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An opportunity he took advantage of presented itself on the first snap of the fourth quarter. The Chiefs faced fourth-and-1 at the Houston 37-yard line. Hunt broke in for a three-yard gain to move the chains. Five plays later, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Kelce would combine for a scoring touchdown to put Houston firmly on the ropes.

“I saw a good run down the D line and one-on-one in the hole,” Hunt said of the rush on fourth down, “and I have to find a way to gain a yard or two — and I like my chances every time.

After the game, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid praised Hunt’s efforts and the running back room he shares with Isiah Pacheco and Samaje Perine.

“(Hunt) has been great for us,” the coach remarked. “He really helped me and he ran strong today. When we needed him down the stretch, we just handed it to him – and that doesn’t take anything away from Pacheco because he does a good job too. To see both of them, plus Perine, go on third downs and do what he’s doing, it’s a good thing from a coach’s standpoint.

After seeing the Chiefs to six AFC Championship games during his exile, Hunt now has the chance to be one game away from a Super Bowl appearance. Now in its eighth season, it’s ready for me.

“It means everything,” he said. “I’m going to make the most of the opportunity, and that’s what I do every time I touch the ball. I’m trying to make the most of it and find a way to put the team in a position to succeed.