KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kareem Hunt ended his season just as it began in September, booking ending his rookie campaign with the NFL’s offensive rookie of the month award for December.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt celebrates a 1-yard touchdown run against the Miami Dolphins at Arrowhead Stadium, Dec. 24, 2017. (Photo by Justin Olson, ChiefsDigest.com)
Hunt is the first running back to win more than one rookie of the month award since Adrian Peterson in 2007. New Orleans’ defensive back Marshon Lattimore won the defensive player of the month award, joining Hunt as the only multiple award winners this season.
The monthly rookie honor adds to Hunt’s growing resume for rookie of the year accolades, capped off by winning the NFL rushing title.
Hunt led all rookies with 437 rushing yards in December along with four touchdowns. He finished third among all NFL players in rushing yards for December behind Miami’s Kenyan Drake (444 yards) and Todd Gurley (440) of the Los Angeles Rams.
His four rushing touchdowns during the month also led all rookies. Only Gurley with five touchdowns had more than Hunt in December.
Hunt became the sixth rookie in the modern draft era to win the NFL’s rushing title. His 35-yard touchdown run against Denver in Week 17 boosted his final total to 1,327 yards, surpassing Gurley’s 1,305 yards.
Hunt successful lobbied head coach Andy Reid to let him get the one carry he needed to win the title.
“I knew I was only 14 yards away so I’m like, I’m already dressed and we only have two running backs, why not try and go get it,” Hunt said.
Hunt’s eight rushing touchdowns ranks second among all rookies this season along with New Orleans’ Alvin Kamara and just one behind Jacksonville’s Leonard Fournette. The Jaguars rookie as the only other first-year player breaking the 1,000-yard mark among rushers with 1,040 yards.
The third-round draft pick from Toledo also led all rookies with 1,782 yards from scrimmage. Kamara ranked second with 1,554.
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Matt Derrick is the lead beat writer for ChiefsDigest.com. Use the contact page to reach him or find him on Twitter: @MattDerrick.
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