CLEVELAND (WJW) — Former Cleveland Browns player Kareem Hunt may be back with the Kansas City Chiefs, but he’ll always have love for his hometown.
The 29-year-old Northeast Ohio native recently spoke with FOX 8’s P.J. Ziegler about what it means to be playing in the Super Bowl for the first time.
“It means everything, I worked so hard, man. Coming from a small school like Willoughby South [High School]. I want to give credit to Matt Duffy and Coach [Matt] Luck for believing in me,” the former Friday Night Touchdown player of the year said. “It’s just a blessing to be able to have opportunity to play at the highest stage. It’s something I always dreamed of as a little kid, even playing Pee Wee football playing at Osborne Park off Lost Nation [Road].”
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FILE – Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt (27) stands on the sidelines during the second half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Monday, Oct. 31, 2022. Kareem Hunt and the Cleveland Browns are finalizing a deal to bring back the running back after star Nick Chubb suffered a severe season-ending left knee injury in a loss at Pittsburgh, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023. (AP Photo/David Richard, File) -
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 29: Kareem Hunt #27 of the Cleveland Browns scores a second quarter touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on October 29, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)
The running back, who was with Cleveland for five seasons, said he didn’t think he would be getting another opportunity to be with the championship-winning Chiefs — the team he started with in the NFL back in 2017.
“I thought that boat had already sailed away,” he said. “I got another opportunity in Cleveland, which I was so grateful for and I love the players and community and being home. I tried everything I could do to help contribute to bring a championship there, but it didn’t work out like that.”
Back with the Chiefs this season, Hunt is thrilled to be able to take on the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday and is trying to bring a win, in a way, back home.
“Cleveland, man, this is for you. I love you,” he said. “All them long years together, in five years, I’m grateful to have this opportunity, I’m trying to bring it back home. Cleveland will always be my home.”
Hunt, who was also asked about his thoughts on superstar defensive player Myles Garrett requesting a trade from the Browns, said he was taking an even approach to Sunday’s matchup.
“Honestly, it’s one more game,” he said. “I’m going to leave it all out there. That’s the only thing I can do … leave the field with no regrets.”
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