Kareem Hunt’s NFL journey has been a rollercoaster of triumphs, setbacks, and redemption. After a standout rookie season with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2017, his career faced turbulence following a high-profile off-field incident.
However, Hunt clawed his way back, rejoining the Chiefs in 2024 and playing a pivotal role in their Super Bowl LIX run. Now 29, he remains a key figure in Kansas City’s backfield, balancing on-field production with financial stability.
Below, we break down his personal life, career milestones, financial details, and legacy.
Kareem Hunt’s Biography
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Kareem AJ Hunt |
| Born | August 6, 1995 (Age 29) |
| Birthplace | Elyria, Ohio, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Weight | 216 lbs (98 kg) |
| College | University of Toledo |
| NFL Draft | 2017, Round 3, #86 overall (Kansas City Chiefs) |
| Turned Pro | 2017 |
| Relationship Status | Not Married; Girlfriend: Julianne Oser (former Toledo cheerleader) |
| Children | None publicly disclosed |
| Parents | Kareem Hunt Sr. (father), Stephanie Riggins (mother) |
| Siblings | Undisclosed |
| Net Worth | $3 million |
| Current Team | Kansas City Chiefs |
| Position | Running Back |
Early Career
Kareem Hunt’s football journey began at Willoughby South High School in Ohio, where he dominated as a two-time 2,500+ yard rusher. His senior year (2012) cemented his legacy: 2,685 rushing yards and 44 touchdowns—still Lake County’s all-time record. Despite being a three-star recruit, Hunt chose Toledo over Power Five programs, drawn by the chance to shine early.
At Toledo (2013–2016), Hunt rewrote record books. He amassed 4,945 rushing yards (school record) and 5,500 total scrimmage yards, showcasing dual-threat versatility. His 2014 GoDaddy Bowl performance became legendary: 271 rushing yards and five touchdowns, tying Barry Sanders’ NCAA bowl record.
Hunt’s reliability stood out—he never lost a fumble across 855 college touches and strung together 12 consecutive 100-yard games. These feats propelled him to the 2017 NFL Draft, where the Chiefs snagged him in the third round as the 86th pick—a steal for a player once ranked 1,717th nationally among recruits.
Professional Career
Kareem Hunt’s NFL journey began with fireworks. Drafted 86th overall by Kansas City in 2017, he exploded onto the scene by leading the league in rushing (1,327 yards) and earning Pro Bowl honors as a rookie.
His signature moment came in Week 1: after fumbling his first carry, he racked up 246 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns against New England, setting a rookie debut record.
Hunt’s patient running style and receiving threat (53 catches, 455 yards) made him Andy Reid’s offensive centerpiece.
The 2018 season saw diminished production (824 rushing yards) before a hotel altercation led to his release. Video evidence showed Hunt shoving and kicking a woman, prompting the Chiefs to cut ties despite his 14 touchdowns in 11 games.
After an eight-game suspension, he joined Cleveland in 2019 as Nick Chubb’s backup. Though limited to 179 rushing yards that year, Hunt carved a niche as a goal-line weapon, scoring 15 touchdowns across 2020-2021.
His Browns tenure peaked in 2022 with 678 scrimmage yards, but declining efficiency (3.8 yards per carry) raised concerns. Released in 2023, Hunt remained unsigned until September 2024, when Isiah Pacheco’s injury spurred Kansas City to reunite with their former star.
The reunion paid dividends: Hunt rushed for 728 yards and seven touchdowns, including a 102-yard game against New Orleans—his first 100-yard performance since 2020. His playoff contributions (117 rushing yards, two touchdowns) helped Kansas City reach Super Bowl LIX, cementing his legacy as a resilient comeback story.
Relationship
Hunt has kept his personal life private. He’s been romantically linked to Julianne Oser, a former Toledo cheerleader, since college. The couple frequently appears together at events but avoids social media exposure. Hunt has no publicly acknowledged children and prioritizes family privacy, often crediting his mother, Stephanie, for his resilience.
Kareem Hunt’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Kareem Hunt’s net worth is estimated to be $3 million, accumulated through NFL salaries, bonuses, and limited endorsements. While his earnings peaked during his Browns tenure ($6.25 million in 2022), his current Chiefs contract reflects a veteran’s role.
Contract
In 2024, Kareem Hunt returned to the Kansas City Chiefs on a 1-year, $1.21 million contract, marking a significant pay cut compared to previous deals. The agreement included a $820,833 cap hit and no guaranteed money, reflecting his role as a veteran backup following Isiah Pacheco’s injury. Hunt’s base salary of $1.21 million ranked him 58th among NFL running backs, a stark contrast to his peak $6.25 million earnings with Cleveland in 2022.
This short-term deal allowed Kansas City to maintain financial flexibility while leveraging Hunt’s playoff experience. Despite incentives for postseason performance, he earned no additional bonuses during the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIX run.
The contract expired in February 2025, making Hunt an unrestricted free agent. His future remains uncertain, with analysts predicting the Chiefs may opt for younger, cheaper alternatives via the draft.
Hunt’s current contract underscores his career transition from star rusher to role player, emphasizing durability over long-term financial security.
Salary
Kareem Hunt’s 2024 base salary with the Kansas City Chiefs stands at $1.21 million, ranking him 58th among NFL running backs—a stark contrast to his peak earnings of $6.25 million with Cleveland in 2022.
The one-year deal includes no guaranteed money or signing bonuses, reflecting his role as a veteran backup. His cap hit ($820,833) allowed Kansas City financial flexibility to bolster their roster during their Super Bowl LIX campaign.
While Hunt’s current earnings pale in comparison to his Browns contracts (e.g., $5 million average from 2020–2022), his career earnings total $19.4 million as of 2025. The 2024 salary represents a calculated gamble: Hunt accepted lower pay for a shot at redemption with his original team.
Though incentives for playoff performance were available, he earned none during Kansas City’s championship run. With free agency looming in 2025, Hunt faces an uncertain market as teams prioritize younger, cheaper backfield options.
Career Earnings
Kareem Hunt has earned approximately $19.4 million over his eight-year NFL career (2017–2025). His earnings peaked during his Cleveland Browns tenure (2020–2022), while his 2024 return to Kansas City came with a veteran-minimum salary.
Below is a detailed breakdown:
| Year | Team | Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Kansas City Chiefs | $1,240,952 |
| 2018 | Kansas City Chiefs | $0 (suspended) |
| 2019 | Cleveland Browns | $674,163 |
| 2020 | Cleveland Browns | $4,099,320 |
| 2021 | Cleveland Browns | $4,500,000 |
| 2022 | Cleveland Browns | $6,250,000 |
| 2023 | Cleveland Browns | $1,198,529 |
| 2024 | Kansas City Chiefs | $1,008,333 |
| Total | $19,488,465 |
Hunt’s highest-earning season came in 2022 ($6.25 million), reflecting his role as a dual-threat back for Cleveland. His rookie contract with Kansas City (2017–2018) totaled $3.3 million, while his Browns extension (2020–2022) accounted for $14.85 million. The 2024 Chiefs deal ($1.21 million) represents a career-low salary, emphasizing his transition to a reserve role.
Endorsements
Hunt’s primary endorsement income stems from his EA SPORTS™ Madden NFL 25 inclusion, where his 82-rated “Power Back” avatar boosts visibility. His recent Super Bowl LIX appearance with Kansas City has sparked renewed interest, though no major deals have been finalized.
Hunt’s philanthropic partnerships, including Stomp Out Bullying and Built the Bridge, serve as non-monetary brand alignments rather than traditional endorsements. Analysts suggest his championship pedigree could revive commercial opportunities if he maintains a clean public image.
Career Stats
Regular Season
| Category | Total | Per Game Avg |
| Games Played | 104 | – |
| Rushing Attempts | 1,230 | 11.8 |
| Rushing Yards | 5,164 | 49.7 |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 47 | – |
| Receptions | 249 | 2.4 |
| Receiving Yards | 2,066 | 19.9 |
| Receiving TDs | 17 | – |
| Total TDs | 64 | – |
| Yards from Scrimmage | 7,230 | 69.5 |
Key Career Highlights
Rookie Dominance (2017)
- NFL rushing champion (1,327 yards)
- 4.9 yards/carry average with 8 TDs
- Added 455 receiving yards (8.6 avg)
2024 Resurgence with Chiefs
- 728 rushing yards (3.6 avg) & 7 TDs
- 176 receiving yards (7.7 avg)
- Scored playoff TDs in Divisional Round & AFC Championship
Best Season (2018)
- 14.5 yards/reception average (career high)
- 7 receiving TDs (positional standout)
Postseason Performance
| Category | Total | Per Game Avg |
| Games Played | 7 | – |
| Rushing Yards | 265 | 37.9 |
| Rushing TDs | 7 | – |
| Receiving Yards | 42 | 6.0 |
| Receiving TDs | 1 | – |
Career Milestones
- 1,000+ scrimmage yards: 3x (2017, 2018, 2020)
- 100-yard rushing games: 10 (last in 2024 vs Saints)
- Longest play: 78-yard TD reception (2017)
Hunt’s career reflects a workhorse back capable of dual-threat production, though his efficiency declined post-2020 (3.8 YPC from 2022-2024). His 2024 return to Kansas City revitalized his red-zone impact, contributing to their Super Bowl LIX appearance despite limited snaps in the championship game.
FAQs
1. What series does Hailie Deegan currently compete in?
Deegan currently races in Indy NXT with HMD Motorsports, having made the transition to open-wheel competition in 2025 after concluding her NASCAR Xfinity Series career with AM Racing.
2. What are Deegan’s biggest professional racing achievements?
She became the first female driver to win races in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, claiming three victories from 2018 to 2019, and earning ten top-five finishes during those two seasons.
3. What is Deegan’s background in off-road and dirt racing?
Deegan began racing off-road vehicles at age seven and won the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series Junior 2 Karts class in 2013, becoming the first woman to win a LOORRS championship.
4. When did Deegan join full-time pavement racing and how did she perform in NASCAR?
She moved to pavement racing in 2016, joined the main ARCA Menards Series in 2020, and then became a consistent presence in the NASCAR Truck Series before debuting in the Xfinity Series in 2024.
5. How did Deegan perform in her first season as a NASCAR Truck Series driver?
She tallied five top-10 finishes during her Truck Series campaign and showed improvement each year, racing with David Gilliland Racing and ThorSport Racing over three seasons.
6. What are Deegan’s family connections in motorsports?
Deegan is the daughter of famed motocross and rally driver Brian Deegan. Her father’s experience and guidance shaped her competitive edge and helped build her racing career.
7. What is Deegan’s racing style and reputation on the circuit?
Deegan works with an aggressive and fearless racing style, gaining respect as a talented female competitor with a reputation for overtaking and racing hard against leading drivers.
8. Which major sponsors have supported Deegan’s career?
She has attracted sponsors like Monster Energy and Ford Performance, leveraging her marketability and racing talent to gain visibility in NASCAR and off-road racing.
9. Why did Deegan transition from stock car racing to open-wheel?
Her shift to Indy NXT came after a loss of significant sponsorship in NASCAR and a desire to start fresh in open-wheel racing, where she signed a multi-year deal with HMD Motorsports.
10. What were Deegan’s most notable off-road and rallycross results?
She recorded multiple class championships in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series and scored a top-five finish in Nitro Rallycross SXS events, remaining active in the off-road community even while pursuing pavement racing.
