In a surprising move, the Kansas City Chiefs have re-signed running back Kareem Hunt, six years after releasing him due to a highly publicized incident involving assault. The team expressed their belief that Hunt has matured and deserves a second chance.

The decision to bring Hunt back to the team comes after the Chiefs lost starting running back Isiah Pacheco to a broken fibula. Hunt has been signed to the practice squad and could potentially play in Sunday night's game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Head coach Andy Reid spoke about the team's decision, saying, "We just thought he needed a change of scenery and get some help and take care of business there and we felt like he did that. He did a nice job in Cleveland, and we talked to the people there and there were no issues there, so we felt OK by bringing him back. It looks like he's grown up. I think people deserve a second chance if they've done something to work on the first part of it."

Despite their initial decision to release him, quarterback Patrick Mahomes remained friends with Hunt and has kept in touch with him over the years. Mahomes, who was vocal about Hunt's actions in the past, expressed his support for his friend's personal growth. He stated, "You want to see them taking the right steps to become a better person for themselves, their family, and the rest of society. And so, I think you've seen that with Kareem, and so I've stayed in touch with him just to see how he's doing, how his family's doing, everything like that."

Hunt, who was originally selected by the Chiefs in the third round of the 2017 draft, had an impressive rookie season, rushing for a league-leading 1,327 yards, catching 53 passes, and scoring 11 touchdowns. However, his promising career was halted in 2018 when a video surfaced showing him shoving and kicking a woman outside his residence. As a result, the NFL placed him on the commissioner's exempt list and the Chiefs made the decision to release him, citing his lack of honesty about the incident.

Since then, Hunt has played the past five seasons for his hometown Cleveland Browns. In 2020, he had his most productive season, rushing for 841 yards and catching 38 passes. Last season, he contributed 411 rushing yards and 15 receptions.

The Chiefs' decision to give Hunt another chance has generated mixed reactions, with some praising the team for offering redemption while others question the message it sends. Nevertheless, all eyes will be on Hunt as he returns to Kansas City, eager to prove himself both on and off the field.

It remains to be seen how Hunt's reintegration into the Chiefs' roster will unfold, but for now, the team has expressed confidence in his personal growth and ability to contribute to their success.