By: SONNY GILL – Sports On Air Correspondent
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is known for his reserved media demeanor—but when it comes to standing by his teammates, he doesn’t hesitate. In the second episode of The Kingdom, Mahomes addressed the controversial decision to re-sign Pro Bowl running back Kareem Hunt—nearly seven years after Hunt’s release following an assault video that surfaced during his time with the Cleveland Browns
Reflecting on Hunt’s return, Mahomes said: “What he did was wrong, but I know in his heart he isn’t a bad person. It’s how you can become better and learn from them. I think that’s something that he embraced. He wasn’t going to let that one bad decision define who he is as a person.”
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid echoed this sentiment in the same episode, expressing a belief in second chances: “He learned a lesson. Too many people don’t get a second chance, and then they go back and they start doing bad things. They don’t even have an opportunity to be successful. He did wrong. He knew he did wrong. You can’t do that. Somebody’s gotta teach you that you can’t do that. He paid for that. We probably all run into roadblocks somewhere. Some more drastic than others. He had to start over and do it the right way.”
Hunt himself reflected on his misconduct and the regret it brought. In the same episode, he said, “So upset about the whole situation. I wish I could go back in time and handle it a lotta bit different.”
The re-signing came after an injury to Isiah Pacheco gave Hunt his opportunity back in Kansas City. The reunion sparked a broader conversation about redemption, accountability, and the importance of allowing individuals to grow beyond their worst moments. Mahomes, Reid, and Hunt all conveyed a shared recognition of the gravity of the past, along with a focus on personal progress and forgiveness.
