Kareem Hunt Earns AFC Player of the Week for the Kansas City Chiefs

In the high-octane offense of the Kansas City Chiefs, individual accolades often take a backseat to team success—but every now and then, a performance stands out so brightly that it demands recognition. For running back Kareem Hunt, that moment came in Week 14 of the 2025 NFL season, when he turned in a career-defining game against the Las Vegas Raiders to earn AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. The award marks a full-circle moment for Hunt, who began his NFL career with the Chiefs in 2017 before spending five seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Now back in Kansas City, Hunt has evolved from a rookie sensation to a veteran playmaker, and this weekly honor is a testament to his resilience, adaptability, and enduring impact on the Chiefs’ offense. Kareem Hunt Earns AFC Player of the Week for the Kansas City Chiefs isn’t just about celebrating a single game; it’s about acknowledging a player who has rediscovered his stride in a familiar system and become a critical piece of the Chiefs’ championship puzzle.

Kareem Hunt Earns AFC Player of the Week for the Kansas City Chiefs gains depth by breaking down the standout performance that secured the award. Facing a Raiders defense that ranked 12th in rushing yards allowed, Hunt delivered a masterclass in versatility: he rushed for 156 yards on 22 carries (averaging 7.1 yards per attempt) and scored three touchdowns, while also adding 45 receiving yards on five catches. What made the performance even more impressive was its timing: the Chiefs trailed 14-7 at halftime, and Hunt single-handedly sparked the comeback. In the third quarter, he broke free for a 42-yard touchdown run—his longest since 2020—to tie the game, then added a 1-yard plunge in the fourth quarter to give the Chiefs their first lead. His final touchdown, a 10-yard reception with 2 minutes left, sealed the 31-24 victory and kept the Chiefs in the hunt for the AFC West title. Pro Football Focus graded Hunt’s performance a 91.2, the highest mark by any running back in Week 14, praising his ability to “break tackles, create yards after contact, and execute in the passing game.” For Hunt, the game was a reminder of why he thrives in Kansas City’s offense: “This system lets me do what I do best—run hard, catch the ball, and help the team win. To have a game like this in front of the home fans? It’s surreal.”

A critical narrative in Kareem Hunt Earns AFC Player of the Week for the Kansas City Chiefs is the journey that brought Hunt back to Kansas City. Hunt’s NFL career has been a rollercoaster: he was a Pro Bowl rookie with the Chiefs in 2017, leading the league in rushing yards (1,327) before off-field issues led to his release in 2018. He revitalized his career with the Browns, becoming a reliable dual-threat back, but when Cleveland opted to go with younger talent in 2025, Hunt found himself a free agent. The Chiefs, facing injuries in their backfield (star running back Isiah Pacheco was sidelined with a hamstring injury), signed Hunt to a one-year, $3 million deal in October—a move that was initially met with skepticism by some fans. But Hunt quickly silenced doubters, embracing a complementary role and using his familiarity with Chiefs head coach Andy Reid’s offense to make an immediate impact. Before his Player of the Week game, Hunt had already rushed for 420 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 180 receiving yards. His return to Kansas City isn’t just a second chance—it’s a homecoming, and this award is proof that the partnership still works. “I never thought I’d be back here,” Hunt admitted after the Raiders game. “But this team believed in me, and I’m just trying to pay that trust back every week.”

Kareem Hunt Earns AFC Player of the Week for the Kansas City Chiefs is particularly significant for the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive flexibility as they push toward the playoffs. The Chiefs’ offense is famously centered around quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce, but Hunt’s presence has added a new layer of unpredictability. Defenses can no longer focus solely on stopping Mahomes’ deep passes or Kelce’s route-running—they now have to account for Hunt’s ability to break long runs or catch passes out of the backfield. This flexibility was on full display against the Raiders: Mahomes used Hunt’s rushing threat to set up play-action passes, leading to two touchdown throws to Kelce. For the Kansas City Chiefs, Hunt’s versatility is a game-changer, especially in short-yardage and red-zone situations—he’s converted 90% of his third-and-1 carries this season, the highest rate among Chiefs running backs. With Pacheco expected to return soon, the Chiefs will have a dynamic one-two punch in the backfield, giving Reid more options to outscheme opposing defenses. For the Kansas City Chiefs, Hunt’s Player of the Week award isn’t just an individual honor—it’s a sign that their offense is firing on all cylinders at the right time.

Another vital dimension of Kareem Hunt Earns AFC Player of the Week for the Kansas City Chiefs is the leadership Hunt has brought to the Chiefs’ locker room. As a veteran with eight years of NFL experience, Hunt has become a mentor to younger players in the backfield, including second-year running back Jerick McKinnon and rookie Deneric Prince. He’s shared insights on reading Reid’s playcalls, adjusting to defenses on the fly, and handling the pressure of playing for a championship-contending team. Mahomes, who played with Hunt during his rookie season, has praised Hunt’s influence: “Kareem’s been there, done that. He knows what it takes to win in this offense, and he’s passing that knowledge on to the young guys. That’s invaluable for us.” Hunt’s leadership extends beyond the field, too—he’s organized team dinners, led post-practice film sessions, and been a vocal presence in team meetings, pushing his teammates to elevate their play. For the Kansas City Chiefs, Hunt isn’t just a running back; he’s a glue guy, someone who brings the team together and sets a professional example. This award is a recognition of that leadership as much as it is of his on-field performance.

Finally, Kareem Hunt Earns AFC Player of the Week for the Kansas City Chiefs has long-term implications for both Hunt and the Chiefs. For Hunt, the award boosts his stock as he heads into free agency again this offseason. A strong finish to the season could earn him a multi-year deal, either with the Chiefs or another team, and solidify his status as a top-tier backup running back. For the Kansas City Chiefs, Hunt’s success has validated their decision to sign him—and it may lead to contract talks to keep him in Kansas City beyond 2025. Even if Pacheco remains the starter, Hunt’s ability to step in and produce at an elite level makes him a valuable asset for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. Beyond contracts, Hunt’s story is a reminder of the Chiefs’ ability to rebuild player careers and integrate veterans into their system—a trait that has helped them remain contenders for over a decade. Kareem Hunt Earns AFC Player of the Week for the Kansas City Chiefs wraps up with a simple truth: sometimes, the best additions to a team aren’t the flashiest free agents—they’re the players who know the system, embrace their role, and deliver when it matters most. For Hunt and the Chiefs, this award is just the latest chapter in a partnership that continues to pay dividends, and it’s a sign that their success together is far from over.