Jamaal Charles has been released by the Kansas City Chiefs. He leaves as the franchise's all-time leading rusher, and one of the most productive running backs of all time. Charles currently holds the record for highest yards per carry for running backs. In recent years, Charles has been hampered by repeated knee injuries, first in 2011 and again in 2015. The second injury has continued to linger, raising concerns about Charles's future as he passes the dreaded age of 30, normally the death knell for the careers of NFL running backs. The decision to let him go was made easier by dominant performances by backup Spencer Ware last season, other talented depth in RBs Charcandrick West and CJ Spiller, and Jamaal Charles salary of approximately $7 million in 2017.
Jamaal Charles early life
The player overcame much adversity including a learning disability that went undiagnosed until the third grade and resulted in him being constantly teased. He was raised by a single mother. While Charles struggled with his home life and learning disability in school, he more than excelled at sports. He participated in school not only in Football but also track which was his favorite sport. He however eventually gave up the track to focus on football at the University of Texas.
His career
Jamaal Charles had a great freshmen year in college football he not only won championships but also met the woman whom would later become his wife. His sophomore year he struggled and people began to question his ability to carry such a young team through to the championships.
Jamaal Charles still played well but was unable to carry the team to the Big 12 Championship Game. He had a successful junior season for the University of Texas and decided to forgo his senior year and instead enter the NFL draft. He was not picked during the first round and used that to motivate himself for his future NFL career with the team that had chosen him, the Kansas City Chiefs.
Goodbye
Jamaal Charles finished his first NFL season with just 357 yards rushing and one touchdown, certainly nothing spectacular. His second season with the NFL was far more successful after a slow start. His average yardage was about 100 per game for the next 7 years. Jamaal Charles faced his fair share of setback, injuries, and doubters but had a long and successful career setting many records including some that will stay in place for a long time to come.
