Jamaal Charles

Jamaal RaShaad Jones Charles (born December 27, 1986) is an American football running back for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Texas, and was drafted by the Chiefs in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

Charles' first year as a Chief was hardly in the spotlight; as a backup to halfback Larry Johnson, Charles rushed only 67 times for 357 yards. His breakout season came the following year. In his second year, Charles rushed 190 times for 1,120 yards, despite only starting 10 games after running back Larry Johnson was suspended. Shortly thereafter, Johnson was released, leaving Charles as Kansas City's starting halfback.

He is currently the NFL's all-time leader in career yards-per-carry average among running backs with 5.5 YPC.

Early years

Charles has reported being diagnosed with a learning disability as a child, having difficulty reading, and being mocked and teased. In 2015 he shared his experience including being invited to participate in the Special Olympics: "They said I would never go anywhere. But I learned I can fly. When I was 10 years I had the chance to compete in the Special Olympics. The Special Olympics gave me my first chance to discover a talent I did not know I had."