Ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs’ seventh consecutive AFC Championship appearance, running backs Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco have become vital contributors on offense. Their performances have been lauded not only for their individual impact but also for the way they complement each other on the field.
Hunt, who scored a touchdown in last week’s playoff game against the Houston Texans, reflected on the moment’s significance.
“It was a dream come true, getting to score a touchdown in a big-time playoff game,” he recalled. “I’ll be able to live with that forever.”
In his second stint with the team, Hunt has become a crucial weapon for the Chiefs in high-pressure moments, particularly in short-yardage situations.
“I want to keep the drive alive, and you got to be able to get those tough yards in that situation,” Hunt shared of his approach, “and me being able to just find a way and squeeze through somewhere or, you know, carry a guy for a few yards, and [it’s] just all about will.”
Head coach Andy Reid has high praise for Hunt’s effectiveness in critical short-yardage situations, attributing it to both his physicality and determination.
“He’s a good player, [and] I don’t want to just narrow him down to the short-yardage part,” Reid explained. “I think he does a heck of a job with it; he’s got a knack for that.”
Reid referred to Hunt as “a big kid” and “strong” while commending the eight-year veteran’s willingness to take on the short-yardage game.
“I appreciate [Hunt’s] willingness to get in there and go on that stuff,” Reid praised. “They’re normally real small cracks, and he’s working through so sometimes you see him go through sideways, and not a lot of guys can do that with power like he does.”
For Pacheco, reaching this stage of the playoffs has been what he called a “phenomenal comeback” for himself. After an injury that sidelined him for 10 weeks, the third-year running back expressed gratitude for the journey, crediting the team culture.
“It’s a football team; it’s not about ‘I,’” he emphasized. “It’s going to take all of us to get the job done, and whoever number is called, make the play, get up, (and) celebrate with him.
“It’s a team and we’re all out there at the end of the day, we’re going to get that trophy together.”
Pacheco also expressed his gratitude for those who helped him through his recovery process.
“[I’m] just pleased and thankful for the training staff and everybody that’s been a part of this journey,” he said. “Whatever opportunity [I] get, I’m willing to do my job as high as I can, and [it’s] just great to be out there with the guys flying around and getting that momentum going again.”
The chemistry between Hunt and Pacheco has been a key factor in the Chiefs’ success, utilizing the talents of both backs for the postseason push.
“It’s been fun working with him,” Pacheco said of his counterpart. “We’re doing a great job of building off each other, keep getting the ball flowing, getting down the field, keep the drives going and making the plays.”
