BEREA, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Not all wishes come true.
That’s something Browns running back Kareem Hunt learned this year.
Hunt, who asked for a trade in training camp, was not traded last Tuesday prior to the deadline and so he’ll finish the season with the Browns.
“It is what it is. I’ve got a job to do,” Hunt said Monday. “I was cool with whatever happened.”
Last Monday’s 32-13 win over the Bengals on Halloween almost was his last as a Brown.
“Definitely it was mixed emotions,” Hunt said. “I love Cleveland. I’m from the city of Cleveland. It could’ve been my last game in Cleveland, but look, you’re here. I’m grateful to be able to play the game of football and that’s all I have....Just taking it all in.”
Hunt will become an unrestricted free agent next March but re-signing with the Browns or hitting the market was not something he was ready to talk about on Monday.
“It is what it is. I ain’t worried about that,” Hunt said. “I’ll worry about that when it comes time.”
Last week, Browns executive vice president of football operations and general manager Andrew Berry praised Hunt’s approach and team-first attitude since he made the trade request in camp.
“I guess it’s nice, but I’m just going to show up and work,” Hunt said of Berry’s remarks. “I’m not going to worry about the outside noise and stuff. I was just worried about showing up to work wherever.”
Against Cincinnati, Hunt saw his workload return to normal after having his touches cut in half the previous two games – both losses that extended the losing streak to four.
“I just want opportunities to be able to make plays and play the game I love,” Hunt said. “I feel I can help this team or any team in the NFL win. It doesn’t really matter to me.”
With his immediate future settled, Hunt is ready to just lock in on the home stretch of nine games remaining on the schedule starting Sunday in Miami.
The 3-5 Browns find themselves behind the eight-ball if they’re to make the playoffs because of losses the Jets, Chargers and Patriots which cripple their AFC tiebreaker chances.
“We just have to keep it up, keep winning games,” Hunt said. “That’s the thing. I’m going to do everything I possibly can to help this team win and make it to the playoffs and respect the run.”