Kareem Hunt was visibly irritated on Sunday after the Cleveland Browns fell to the Seattle Seahawks 24-20, and the seventh-year veteran was asked Wednesday about his comments and the follow-up discussion with Stefanski, who said he appreciates Hunt's passion.
"I’m always going to feel that way when the game is on the line," Hunt said Wednesday. "I just want to help contribute and win.”
After Sunday's game, Hunt initially voiced displeasure over not receiving any touches in the fourth quarter.
“I didn’t get a chance to whole fourth quarter, so it’s cool,” he said. “I don’t know. I just go and play my role. That’s what I do.”
Stefanski said Monday that he planned to speak with Hunt about the comments but appreciated his desire to help the Browns win.
"I will talk to Kareem like I talk to all of our guys," he said. "Kareem wants to help this football team. Pleased with really all of those running backs. I thought they all ran hard. They made plays in the pass game as well. I thought we had a good balance of all those guys, but I like players that want to help the football team.”
Hunt, a Willoughby native, has found a home with his childhood team the last five seasons. He was pursued as a free agent by many teams this offseason but none of the opportunities came to fruition. He was close to signing with the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts but ultimately held off.
Then, in Week 2 when Nick Chubb suffered his gruesome knee injury, the Browns came calling and Hunt answered. Not one week later was Kareem back in his No. 27 jersey carrying the football in Cleveland Browns Stadium.
So far this season he has tallied 46 carries, 156 yards and four touchdowns. Although these numbers are not jaw-dropping, he is on pace to score the most touchdowns he ever has in his career.
In such a clunky start to the Browns' season, Hunt has been a huge reason why they've been able to claw their way to 4-3. His tenacity, ability to catch the football and fearlessness to run through defenders are all still there. While Cleveland continues to figure out the rhythm of the offense, they will always be able to count on Hunt.
In the future when the game is on the line, we will see if Hunt's name is called.
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