Jamaal Charles

Jamaal Charles
Charles in 2023
No. 25, 28, 31
PositionRunning back
Personal information
Born (1986-12-27) December 27, 1986
Port Arthur, Texas, U.S.
Listed height5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Listed weight199 lb (90 kg)
Career information
High schoolMemorial (Port Arthur)
CollegeTexas (2005–2007)
NFL draft2008: 3rd round, 73rd overall pick
Career history
Awards and highlights
Career NFL statistics
Rushing yards7,563
Rushing average5.4
Rushing touchdowns44
Receptions310
Receiving yards2,593
Receiving touchdowns20
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Jamaal RaShaad Jones Charles (born December 27, 1986) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Kansas City Chiefs. He played college football for the Texas Longhorns, where he won the 2006 Rose Bowl, and was selected by the Chiefs in the third round of the 2008 NFL draft.

Charles began his career as a backup to halfback Larry Johnson, rushing only 67 times for 357 yards in his rookie season. His breakout season came the following year in 2009. In his second year, Charles rushed 190 times for 1,120 yards, despite only starting 10 games after Johnson was suspended. Shortly thereafter, Johnson was released, leaving Charles as Kansas City's starting halfback. Over the next several seasons he would make four Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams, and would lead the league in rushing touchdowns in 2013. Charles later suffered injuries, which lead to him appearing in just five games in 2015 and 2016, and he was eventually released by the team.

Charles then played a season for the Denver Broncos and had a 2-game stint for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2018. He is the all-time leader in yards per carry among players with at least 1,000 carries with 5.4 yards per carry.