CLEVELAND — Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt received a surprise visit at his baptism on Sunday.
In order to show their support of Hunt’s efforts to make changes in his personal life after multiple off-the-field incidents, which resulted in his release from the Kansas City Chiefs last November and an eight-game suspension at the start of the 2019 season, Browns coach Freddie Kitchens and general manager John Dorsey attended the baptism.
Hunt was released from his rookie contract on November 30, 2018 when video surfaced of him pushing, and later, kicking a woman at The 9 Hotel in Downtown Cleveland. Since that video became public, reports of other incidents involving Hunt have surfaced.
The 23-year old Hunt was released by the Chiefs immediately after video of the incident was released. During the video, Hunt was seen having to be physically restrained by another member of a group that had gathered in a hotel hallway.
Since his release, Hunt has sought professional help for anger management and taken on a more active role in the community, which is something that “is totally on him,” according to Kitchens.
“I love Kareem,” Kitchens said after last Wednesday’s OTA practice at team headquarters in Berea. “He is putting the work in. What I really love more than anything about Kareem is he is handling his business off the field.
“He is being the person and he is continuing to try to be the person that he wants to be and that everybody here wants him to be, and we are going to continue to support him in every way possible to do that. Like I said before, that is first and foremost.”
Hunt is doing what he can, not just to atone for his assaulting of a woman, but also, make sure others learn from his and avoid making similar mistakes.
Since signing with the Browns in February, Hunt has made weekly visits to high schools to talk with young men and relay the message of “thinking before acting,” and Kitchens has been impressed by his work in the community.
“Everybody in life has messed up,” Kitchens said. “Not everybody gets second chances. He understands the gratitude of the second chance and what he has to do with it. I think he is making the most of it. He really is.
“He hasn’t denied anything. He owns up to it, but he also understands that is a platform to get better and affect other people.”
And it is not just Kitchens who feels that way, as Hunt has made a positive first impression with teammates.
“Just being around him, I think he is a great kid,” quarterback Baker Mayfield said. “Mistakes happen. I can speak from personal experience. Just talking to Pat Mahomes or Travis Kelce -- the guys that have been with him -- they speak very highly of him. I think that is really important, and it has been pretty important for him to be here, too.”
Running back Nick Chubb added, “He's a great guy. I'm enjoying having him as a teammate and as a person, he keeps you laughing, keeps you up and always a high-spirited guy, and on the field, he is what I saw him do when I was back in college, and also last year. He makes plays and you see it.”