KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 23: Running back Jamaal Charles #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs rushes the ball against the New Orleans Saints at Arrowhead Stadium during the second quarter of the game on October 23, 2016 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jason Hanna/Getty Images)
Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles is saying goodbye to pro football.
The 32-year-old four-time Pro Bowler announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday, signing a one-day contract to retire with the team that drafted him out of Texas as a third-round pick in 2008.
After nine seasons in Kansas City, Charles joined the Denver Broncos in 2017 and then played for the Jacksonville Jaguars the following season.
The Chiefs shared a video Thursday of Charles getting his final handoff from quarterback Patrick Mahomes to celebrate the pass rusher’s retirement:
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!
A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.
Kansas City also shared a video tribute to Charles, who was shown via highlights with teammates and head coach Andy Reid.
[There are] so many people in this building that played a part in my success on the field,” Charles says in the video. “I wanted to come back and show my love to those people that showed love to me. I think it was only right to do it here.”
30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW
Charles not only set a franchise record with 7,260 rushing yards but also maintains the all-time league record for yards-per-carry for his position: 5.4. Should he have sustained fewer injuries, Charles’ stats might have been even more insane.
Charles also led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 2013. It would surely come as no surprise to many if the rusher was inducted into the Hall of Fame — or received some other type of major honor — in a few years.
Here are some of the top moments from Charles’ career:
The Atlanta Falcons have big plans for wide receiver prospect Zachariah Branch despite his recent…
This postseason is shaping up to be a "make-or-break" for the Cavaliers based on their…
Ex-Duke forward Nikolas Khamenia announced last week that he was transferring to the University of…
The Pittsburgh Steelers are still awaiting a decision from future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron…
The Miami Marlins finished 2025 79-83, a 17-game improvement from their 62-100 record in 2024.…
UFC fighter Daniel Rodriguez revealed he had protection from drug cartels while in a Mexican…