Jamaal Charles signs one-day contract with Chiefs before retiring

Gabrielle McMillen

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Jamaal Charles signs one-day contract with Chiefs before retiring image

The Chiefs have signed Jamaal Charles to a one-day contract so he can retire as a member of the team.

Charles posted to social media about the special event, thanking everyone who helped him along the way.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

After 25 years of playing this sport I love so much, and 11 years in the NFL I’m officially hanging up my cleats for the last time today. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to play this game at the highest level and every friend and family member that has helped me with my personal development along the way. Big thanks to Memorial High School, THE University Texas 🤘🏾, and the Kansas City Chiefs for taking a chance on a kid from Port Arthur, Texas. Thanks to all of my teammates, coaches, and mentors that has helped because there is absolutely no way I could’ve gotten this far alone. HUGE thanks to my beautiful and loving wife Whitney(and my kids) for the support through thick and thin in my career because I know I wasn’t the easiest to deal with lol. To all the kids I’ve inspired along the way, please know that you all inspired me far more than you will ever know and motivated me to keep going. Last but not least, CHIEFS NATION, I’m forever indebted to you all as you are the BEST FAN BASE IN THE WORLD!! Love always, J. Charles #25 OOHHHOOOOHHHOOO OOHHHOOOHHHOOO #CHIEFSNATION #HOOKEM #PORTARTHURTX

A post shared by Jamaal Charles (@djcharles25) on

At one point, Charles, 32, was one of the most prolific running backs in the league. Selected by the Chiefs as a third-round pick in 2008, he became the team's all-time leader in rushing yards with 7,260 over the course of nine years.

He also averaged 5.4 yards per carry in his career — an NFL high for running backs with a minimum of 750 carries.

However, a torn ACL in late 2015 derailed his season, and Charles wasn't his explosive self after that.

The Chiefs gave it another go for the 2016 season, but finally released the veteran back in February 2017. Charles spent that fall as a reserve with the Broncos, then hooked on with the Jaguars briefly last October but was cut after appearing in two games. 

He said in an Instagram post at the time that he had likely played his last NFL game. 

During his career, Charles made the Pro Bowl four times, was the league's rushing touchdown leader (12) in 2013 and was a two-time first-team All-Pro.

Gabrielle McMillen