Patrick Mahomes Breaks Silence on Kareem Hunt — Defends Him Years After Shocking Assault Video

For years, Patrick Mahomes remained relatively quiet whenever the topic of Kareem Hunt came up. The two were once teammates on the Kansas City Chiefs, sharing a promising young core that electrified the NFL. But in 2018, that shared future came to a screeching halt when a shocking assault video emerged, showing Hunt shoving and kicking a woman in a hotel hallway. The footage, released publicly by TMZ, caused an immediate media storm. The Chiefs acted swiftly, releasing Hunt from the team. For Mahomes, then just in his first year as a starting quarterback, the controversy was a crash course in dealing with public scandals in professional sports.

Now, years later, Mahomes has finally spoken in depth about the incident and his feelings toward Hunt — and his comments have surprised many. Instead of keeping his distance from the topic, Mahomes chose to defend Hunt’s character and emphasize the growth he believes Hunt has undergone since that infamous night.

The Bond Between Two Rising Stars

Back in 2017, when Kareem Hunt entered the league as a third-round draft pick, few could have predicted the immediate impact he would have. That same year, Mahomes was a rookie sitting behind Alex Smith, quietly preparing for his own breakout. Hunt led the NFL in rushing yards as a rookie, while Mahomes watched from the sidelines, already forming a bond with his teammate.

Mahomes often recalls that Hunt was one of the first players to reach out to him, invite him to off-field activities, and make him feel part of the team. In his recent comments, Mahomes said that those early interactions were genuine and that Hunt was “one of the best guys in the locker room.”

That’s why, when the assault video surfaced in late 2018, Mahomes admitted he was stunned. He had never seen that side of Hunt. The public saw an act of aggression that was impossible to ignore; Mahomes saw a friend making a terrible mistake — one that would change the course of his career.

The Fallout from the Video

The release of the video was nothing short of devastating for Hunt. In the clip, recorded in February 2018, Hunt is seen arguing with a woman before shoving and kicking her. It wasn’t long before the NFL world exploded with reactions. Critics condemned the act, pointing to it as yet another example of the league’s struggles with off-field violence.

The Chiefs, after confirming that Hunt had misled them about the details of the incident, released him the same day the video went public. Hunt later admitted to lying about what happened when initially questioned by the team. The NFL placed him on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, effectively ending his season.

For Mahomes, the situation was both professionally and personally jarring. Professionally, the Chiefs lost one of the league’s top offensive weapons just as they were chasing a Super Bowl. Personally, Mahomes lost a close teammate and friend.

Mahomes Chooses Silence — Until Now

In the immediate aftermath, Patrick Mahomes offered short, carefully measured statements to the media. He expressed disappointment but stopped short of publicly defending or condemning Hunt. At the time, Mahomes was still a young quarterback trying to navigate his first full season as a starter. Every word he said was scrutinized, and he knew that stepping too far in any direction could ignite even more controversy.

Years passed, and the NFL moved on. Hunt signed with the Cleveland Browns in 2019, serving an eight-game suspension before returning to the field. Mahomes, meanwhile, ascended to the league’s biggest stage, winning MVP and a Super Bowl. Their paths diverged, and the subject of Hunt became a quiet footnote in Mahomes’ story.

That changed recently when Mahomes was asked directly about Hunt in a candid interview. This time, instead of sidestepping the issue, Mahomes opened up.

“He’s Not the Same Person He Was Then”

Mahomes’ words were deliberate but heartfelt. He began by acknowledging the gravity of the incident and the pain it caused. “What Kareem did was wrong,” Mahomes said, “and he knows that. He’s owned it. But I’ve also seen the way he’s grown as a person since then. I don’t think people understand how much work he’s put in to be better.”

The quarterback emphasized that people make mistakes — sometimes massive ones — but that those mistakes shouldn’t define someone forever. “We can’t just look at the worst moment in someone’s life and pretend that’s all they are,” Mahomes explained. “Kareem is not the same person he was in 2018. He’s worked to earn back trust, and I think he deserves credit for that.”

Mahomes also highlighted Hunt’s contributions to the community since leaving Kansas City. From charity events to mentorship programs for at-risk youth, Hunt has made an effort to show that he’s more than the man in that viral video. Mahomes argued that while the public may always remember the scandal, those close to Hunt have seen the changes firsthand.

Why Mahomes Spoke Out Now

The timing of Mahomes’ comments isn’t random. With Hunt’s career in its later stages and the Browns having used him in key moments last season, questions about his legacy have started to surface. Additionally, in a sports culture increasingly focused on redemption narratives, Mahomes’ defense of Hunt fits into a broader conversation about second chances in the NFL.

Mahomes said that part of his decision to finally speak openly was seeing Hunt continue to face harsh judgment years later. “People see him on the field and still bring up that video,” Mahomes said. “It’s like they want him to wear that mistake around his neck forever. I just think there has to be a point where we acknowledge growth.”

The quarterback also revealed that he and Hunt have stayed in touch over the years, occasionally catching up during the offseason. According to Mahomes, their conversations are rarely about football and more about life, family, and personal challenges.

The Reaction from Fans and Media

Mahomes’ comments have drawn a mixed reaction. Some fans appreciate his loyalty and his willingness to defend a former teammate, especially given the NFL’s often inconsistent handling of player misconduct. Others believe that defending Hunt, even indirectly, risks downplaying the seriousness of his actions.

Sports media outlets have framed Mahomes’ remarks as a rare moment of vulnerability and honesty from one of the league’s most guarded superstars. Many have pointed out that this kind of public defense could only come now, after Mahomes has established himself as the face of the NFL, with the credibility and stability to weather any potential backlash.

The Broader Issue of Redemption in Sports

Mahomes’ defense of Hunt raises broader questions about redemption in professional sports. The NFL has a long history of players returning from off-field scandals, but public opinion often lags behind league decisions. In Hunt’s case, his production on the field earned him a second chance, but the shadow of the assault video has never fully lifted.

Mahomes’ perspective is that redemption is not just about getting another shot in the league but proving, over time, that you’ve learned and changed. By publicly supporting Hunt, Mahomes is making a statement about forgiveness — one that challenges the sports world to separate the act from the person while still holding the act accountable.

The Lasting Impact on Both Careers

The 2018 incident will always be a turning point in Kareem Hunt’s career. From a statistical standpoint, he has never fully recaptured the dominance of his rookie season, though he has been an important contributor in Cleveland’s backfield. For Mahomes, the loss of Hunt was one of the first major challenges of his tenure as the Chiefs’ leader, forcing him and the offense to adjust without one of their most dynamic players.

Their shared history is complicated — built on camaraderie, fractured by scandal, and now reframed by Mahomes’ public defense. Whether or not fans agree with Mahomes’ stance, it’s clear that his respect and affection for Hunt have endured.

A Conversation That Will Continue

As Mahomes continues his career and Hunt’s playing days wind down, their connection remains a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the NFL. Mahomes’ decision to defend Hunt years after the incident signals a willingness to speak on issues of character and redemption — topics often avoided in the high-stakes world of professional sports.

The debate over whether Hunt has truly earned redemption will continue among fans and analysts. But in Mahomes’ eyes, the matter is simpler: people can change, and his friend has. “I’ll always root for him,” Mahomes said. “Not just as a player, but as a person.”

In the end, Mahomes’ comments offer a rare glimpse into the human side of the NFL — a league where headlines are often dominated by contracts, stats, and controversies, but where personal bonds still matter. His defense of Kareem Hunt doesn’t erase the past, but it does suggest that in Mahomes’ world, growth, forgiveness, and loyalty still have a place.