Travis Kelce says the release of running back Kareem Hunt “ripped our hearts out” in a recent interview with Cleveland media.
Last December, the Kansas City Chiefs were forced into an awkward position. With no real choice before them, the team announced the release of running back Kareem Hunt after it was learned that he’d repeated lied to the team about his role in an offseason assault of a woman in Ohio.
Hunt was an incredible on-field talent for the Chiefs. While the offense remained high-powered even after his release, the loss of Hunt removed a dynamic element from the mix. Not only did Hunt led the entire NFL in rushing yardage as a rookie (only the sixth such player to ever do so), but he was well on his way to another Pro Bowl season.
For the first time since the release, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce recently opened up to the media about the loss of Hunt on the field and in the locker room. The All-Pro shares Ohio roots with Hunt and it’s clear the two are still good friends.
"“He’s an unbelievable player. It ripped our hearts out when he got released from Kansas City, but to see him get another chance, I would hope and I would think he’s going to make the absolute most of it.”"
Kelce has never discussed Hunt’s release before this moment, and it’s rare to hear a moment of such candor on a transaction. Kelce certainly did not endorse Hunt’s behavior nor did he scorn the Chiefs for doing what they did. Instead, he simply spoke to the loss of a friend on a team, one who happens to be quite talented.
These days, Hunt is a member of the Cleveland Browns. He was signed by former Chiefs general manager John Dorsey after his release by K.C. and he will take the field in Cleveland after he finishes serving an eight-game suspension to start the season. Joining Nick Chubb and Duke Johnson in the backfield, the Browns should employ the NFL’s most talented backfield by season’s end.