There were moments not long ago when Kareem Hunt wondered whether he'd ever carry a football in an NFL game again. There were times when Matt Araiza wondered whether he would ever punt one. Yet through a combination of need and want,

Hunt, who was a free agent in early September, led the Chiefs with 728 rushing yards and seven touchdowns this season.

The Chiefs provided both players with an opportunity to continue — if not fully restart — their professional careers.

Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt sees his first opportunity to play in a Super Bowl as a product of his approach to second chances.

Chiefs' running back Kareem Hunt began the NFL season as a spectator but a call from his old team changed everything and he says he is grateful for his second chance.

A familiar team finally called. The Kansas City Chiefs, Hunt's first NFL team, needed a running back after Isiah Pacheco suffered a fractured fibula. Fast forward about five months, and Hunt is playing a key role for the Chiefs as they prepare for Super Bowl LIX.

Hunt was listed on the Chiefs’ Wednesday injury report due to an issue with his quad. However, it was estimated that Hunt would have been a full participant in practice, had the team run drills on Wednesday, and he was removed from Kansas City’s injury reports for the rest of the week.

Kareem Hunt has had second chances before this season, so during the summer and into the start of the season, the veteran running back continued to work out as if some team would call with an opportunity.

Chiefs' running back Kareem Hunt began the NFL season as a spectator but a call from his old team changed everything and he says he is grateful for his second chance. Hunt started his career with Kansas City in 2017 when he ran for 1,

Through a combination of need and want, Kansas City provided both the running back and punter with an opportunity to continue – if not fully restart – their NFL careers.