Chiefs legend Jamaal Charles weighs in on recent criticisms of Travis Kelce, drum honoree experience

#Chiefs legend Jamaal Charles spoke to Ed Easton Jr. about grilling, his thoughts Travis Kelce’s critics, and his drum honoree experience. | w/ @EdEastonJr

This week, Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Kansas City Chiefs legend and fan favorite running back Jamaal Charles.

In his interview with Easton Jr., Charles, who recently teamed up with Kingsford to host the ‘Kingsford College Football Tailgate Tour’ at the Red River Rivalry tailgate, revealed his favorite food to grill, thoughts on recent criticisms of Travis Kelce’s, and his experience being the Chiefs’ drum honoree in Week 5.

“I like lamb chops, and I do oxtails sometimes, as well as turkey legs, man, and I’ll smoke and barbecue chicken wings,” Charles said, when describing his favorite meats to grill after hosting a successful Red River Rivalry tailgate with Kingsford. “I love wings. Man, I’m a big-wings person.”

Many critics questioned whether All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce had lost a step statistically due to the season’s slow start. Charles shot down that notion and defended his former teammate.

“I think I wouldn’t pay attention to that, all those politics, all that I think Travis (Kelce) is every once in a while, coming around with players who don’t really have a great start, they really don’t play well at the beginning,”  Charles explained. “I think it’s all fantasy football, man, as long as I think the Chiefs are not worrying about that. I think the organization’s not worrying about that. I just feel like they are winning. Who cares? I don’t think Travis cares about that much, either.”

The Chiefs announced that Charles would serve as the drum honoree before their week 5 Monday night game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. He appreciated the honor of embracing fans again in Kansas City.

“It was awesome, and I got that Juju feeling again. Man, I feel the fans showing me love and giving me that energy. Man, I really feel like I am about to play,” said Charles. “I got hyped up, saying I was ready. I started doing dance moves. I never started doing I was on the drums up there, but it was. It was exciting to be out there and see the fans in a Monday night game and the guys pulling through for the Saints; it was awesome.”

For more information on Kingsford, log on to Kingsford.com and follow on Instagram & X

Jamaal Charles talks Kingsford tailgate, Xavier Worthy’s impact on Chiefs’ offense

Ed Easton Jr. spoke to #Chiefs legend Jamaal Charles about grilling with fans at a Kingsford tailgate and Xavier Worthy’s rookie season. | w/ @EdEastonJr

This week, Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Kansas City Chiefs legend and franchise leading rusher Jamaal Charles.

In his interview with Easton Jr., Charles, who recently teamed up with Kingsford to host the ‘Kingsford College Football Tailgate Tour’ at the Red River Rivalry tailgate, discussed his enjoyment of grilling with fans and fellow Texas Longhorns alum Xavier Worthy’s rookie season in Kansas City.

“[It was] an [awesome] opportunity to team [up with] Kingsford. Grill some good barbecue on the grill, and [got to] smell that good old charcoal. It was an awesome time. [I was] able to grill, and we were cooking some chicken that day,” Charles said. “[I was] able to cook some of the chicken and eat something. It was awesome, [to] pass it around to some of the fans. Man, you just saw the smile on their faces [for] Kingsford, and it was awesome to let them get some of that good old barbecue.”

https://www.instagram.com/jamaalcharles/reel/DBJpWZYvYtP/

“You may not win every game, you can win every tailgate with Kingsford,” said Charles as he greeted fans at the latest edition of the River Rivalry, which saw the Longhorns win 34-3 over the Oklahoma Sooners.

Charles’ alma mater continues to produce top-tier NFL talent, including Chiefs rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy.

“Man, seeing another Longhorn representing the University of Texas is good,” Charles said of Worthy’s presence in Kansas City. “We always have a good connection with the Chiefs. They always draft some of them. They do a great job drafting the Longhorns players and we always go up there and try to represent. I’m just happy that (Xavier) Worthy is having great success. I knew he would have great success because Coach Andy Reid was one of the best coaches I’ve been around in my entire career. So I knew he had a great opportunity to continue the success.”

For more information on Kingsford, log on to Kingsford.com and follow on Instagram & X

Chiefs legend Jamaal Charles on Patrick Mahomes TD run vs. 49ers, Kareem Hunt’s return to K.C.

Ed Easton Jr. spoke to #Chiefs legend Jamaal Charles about Patrick Mahomes touchdown run against the #49ers and Kareem Hunt’s return to K.C. | w/ @EdEastonJr

This week, Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Kansas City Chiefs legend Jamaal Charles, who was one of the top running backs in the NFL from 2008 until his retirement in 2019.

In his interview with Easton Jr., Charles, who recently teamed up with Kingsford to host the ‘Kingsford College Football Tailgate Tour’ at the Red River Rivalry tailgate, reflected on the grilling experience, Patrick Mahomes’ trucking touchdown run in Week 7, and Kareem Hunt’s Kansas City comeback.

“The smell and the smoke, the charcoal, the fire, flavor, and experience of bringing friends and family together over some delicious food,” said Charles. “It’s just a good vibe and Kingsford is my go-to when it comes to fueling my grill in the game; It helps you play well on the field, too, as well.”

Charles was eager to weigh in on Patrick Mahomes’ outstanding touchdown run against the San Francisco 49ers last weekend, and gave his thoughts on the reigning Super Bowl MVP’s ability to lower the boom on defensive back Malik Mustapha.

Though the legendary running back was impressed, he made it clear that Mahomes was playing a dangerous game by putting his body on the line.

“That’s the nature of football. Man. Pat (Patrick Mahomes) got one that day, he got up on him.” Charles explained. “That’s a football play. I don’t really think it’s a really big deal. I think he just got up on that day. He got lucky because it could have went the other way.”

One of the Chiefs’ most significant contributors this season has been the returning Kareem Hunt, who stepped in as the starting running back while Isiah Pacheco recovered from injury. Charles shared his happiness for Hunt and his potential to finally win a Super Bowl with Kansas City.

“Yeah, I’m happy, man, because, I mean, that’s just like reminding me of me if I have the opportunity to go back and play for the Chiefs right now,” said Charles. “Man, it would be awesome, man. So, with Kareem getting the opportunity to go back and finish what he’s been able to, he could have won a couple of championships when he was there, with Tyreek (Hill) getting on a guy. So, just to see him back and get another shot at the opportunity. Man, I wish that were me. I’m happy for him that he got a shot to go for a ring; if he finishes like that, after all the situation he has been through, and I see him win a championship, man, I know that would be a highlight of his career.”

For more information on Kingsford, log on to Kingsford.com and follow on Instagram & X

Chiefs legend reflects on meeting Xavier Worthy in college: ‘He’s a very mature kid’

Kansas City #Chiefs legend Jamaal Charles reflects on meeting Xavier Worthy in college: ‘He’s a very mature kid’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs are off to an impressive undefeated 5-0 start to the season as they enjoy a bye week. The veterans and younger players have performed well, including their first-round pick this season.

Chiefs running back legend Jamaal Charles recently sat down for an interview with DJ Siddiqi of RG.org. He revealed his friendship with fellow Texas Longhorns alum Xavier Worthy and explained why the 21-year-old wide receiver is on his way to a successful career in the NFL.

“I’ve known Xavier (Worthy) since he was a freshman in college,” said Charles. “I always ran into him, always motivating him, always talking to him. He’s a great kid; he’s a very mature kid. I feel like when you start getting paid in college and NIL, you have to be mature because there’s a lot of people coming at you at an early age. I think he’s a good kid, and if he can keep his head straight and keep playing the way he’s playing on and off the field, I think he’s going to set himself up for a great career.”

Worthy has 12 catches for 179 yards, a touchdown as a receiver, six carries for 42 yards, and two touchdowns in the running game through five games. He has looked comfortable with the increased volume of targets and, game starts with the early injuries to ‘Hollywood’ Brown and Rashee Rice.

Legendary RB Jamaal Charles to serve as Drum Honoree for Chiefs’ MNF matchup vs. Saints

Jamaal Charles will serve as the Kansas City’s Drum Honoree for the Chiefs’ Week 5 matchup against the Saints on Monday Night Football.

The Kansas City Chiefs are hoping to continue their undefeated record this season as they host the New Orleans Saints in Week 5 on “Monday Night Football.”

With so much anticipation surrounding Kansas City’s 4-0 start, some high-profile fans and former players are expected to be in attendance at Arrowhead Stadium, including former Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles, who serves as the team’s Drum Honoree for the game.

Charles was selected by Kansas City in the third round of the 2008 NFL draft and played with the Chiefs for eight seasons.

The former Texas Longhorn’s role for Monday’s matchup was announced via a post to Twitter by the official account of GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium:

 

Fans should be on the lookout for Charles before Kansas City’s matchup against New Orleans kicks off on Monday night, and expect to see an exciting game as the Chiefs look to stay perfect against the 2-2 Saints in primetime.

Rod Smith among 19 former Broncos nominated for Hall of Fame

Rod Smith is one of eight Broncos Super Bowl champions who have been nominated for the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame class.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame has announced 167 modern-era finalists for the 2025 class. The list includes 19 former Denver Broncos players, including eight Super Bowl champions.

Former Broncos wide receiver Rod Smith headlines the list of players who won Super Bowls with Denver in the late 1990s. He is joined by center Tom Nalen, kicker Jason Elam, guard Mark Schlereth, linebacker Bill Romanowski and defensive lineman Neil Smith.

The Broncos also had two members of their Super Bowl 50 squad — late wide receiver Demaryius Thomas and cornerback Aqib Talib — nominated for the Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility.

Other players nominated include running backs Clinton Portis and Glyn Milburn, receivers Wes Welker and Brandon Marshall and cornerback Dré Bly. View the full list below.

Broncos Hall of Fame nominees

  1. WR Rod Smith
  2. C Tom Nalen
  3. K Jason Elam
  4. G Mark Schlereth
  5. LB Bill Romanowski
  6. DL Neil Smith
  7. WR Demaryius Thomas
  8. CB Aqib Talib
  9. WR Wes Welker
  10. RB Clinton Portis
  11. WR Brandon Marshall
  12. RB Glyn Milburn
  13. CB Dré Bly
  14. TE Vernon Davis
  15. DL Jamal Williams
  16. LB Keith Brooking
  17. RB Jamaal Charles
  18. DL Ted Washington
  19. DL Simeon Rice

The Broncos also have 11 senior candidates for the 2025 class, and former coach Mike Shanahan is expected to be a top candidate in the coach category. Voters will trim the list down to 20 finalists with 15 modern-era candidates, three senior candidates, one coach and one contributor. The selection committee will meet before Super Bowl LVIX to elect the 2025 class.

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Chiefs legend Jamaal Charles opens up about his mental health in post-football career

#Chiefs legend Jamaal Charles opened up about his struggles with mental health during his post-football career. | @EdEastonJr

Many NFL stars’ playing careers don’t always transition smoothly once they leave the field. Kansas City Chiefs running back great Jamaal Charles was one of the best in the league during his career but is still trying to transition into life after the gridiron.

The Chiefs legend appeared as a guest on the Second Acts Podcast, to discuss his life after retiring from football and the challenges he’s endured along the way.

“I basically went into a dark side,” Charles said. “No one came forward to guide me through the transition to life after football. I went to work with investment people, and it didn’t go well. I started losing money, so I started becoming very depressed and suicidal. Still trying to find my way going through that situation and transition. It was hard for me because I didn’t know who to lean on or where the help was coming from.”

Charles was a two-time first-team All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowl selection during his tenure with the Chiefs. He still holds the franchise’s all-time rushing record as he retired as a team member on an honorary one-day contract in 2019.

“At that time, I had therapy, so there’s nothing wrong,” Charles said. “I talked to a therapist to talk about suicidal thoughts, talk about the hard times. At the time, I was still in therapy, and I still am today.”

The former star running back continues to be a proud ambassador for the team at events, providing positive energy to fans.

Jamaal Charles to announce Chiefs’ second-round pick at 2024 NFL draft

#Chiefs legend Jamaal Charles will announce Kansas City’s second-round pick at the 2024 NFL draft.

The NFL draft has a reputation for providing a festive experience during the later rounds of the event. Since its expansion to different cities in recent years, former legends from the Kansas City Chiefs and the other 31 franchises have taken to the podium to announce draft selections on day two in front of the crowd in attendance.

On Thursday afternoon, the NFL released a list of team legends slated to announce their club’s second-round picks. The Chiefs are expected to have all-time leading rusher Jamaal Charles on stage, representing the team reading the 64th overall selection.

The league’s continuous effort to connect the game’s greats with the next generation of stars, NFL legends, and active players will add to the event’s excitement through the announcements and participating in festivities in Detroit.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will announce the entire first round from the podium on Thursday night, while different franchise representatives will be on Friday and Saturday. In addition to announcing NFL draft selections, Charles and the other legends will be on-site to mentor the prospects and give back to the city of Detroit through participation in various community service events.

Charles retired as one of the best running backs in the league during his era. He spent the majority of his career with the Chiefs for nine seasons. His 1,332 carries are the second most in franchise history, and his 7,260 rushing yards are still the most in Chiefs history.

The former third-round pick in the 2008 NFL draft accumulated 64 touchdowns, which rank fifth all-time among Kansas City players.

Jamaal Charles is getting Chiefs fans ready for Wednesday’s parade with Bud Light Genie

Jamaal Charles is getting #Chiefs fans ready for Wednesday’s parade with Bud Light Genie

Former Kansas City Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles played many memorable seasons with the team and understands how to excite the crowd. The Super Bowl LVIII champions will get a hero’s welcome on Wednesday for the championship parade that promises to do better than last year’s fantastic turnout.

Chiefs Kingdom will remember “Bring Home the Bud Light” from last year, featuring the Chiefs legend at the parade. He is back this year with a new surprise, as Charles explained in a statement.

“We’re back-to-back champs, Chiefs Kingdom! I know you all remember Bud Light and [me] delivering the fun on parade day last year,” said Charles. “Now we’re coming back and bringing the Bud Light Genie with us! Kansas City always shows up and brings the energy on parade day, and I’m excited to show the Bud Light Genie what we’re all about. So let’s all grab a Bud Light, and cheers to the champs!”

This year, special limited-edition Bud Light Chiefs championship bottles will be available at select retailers along the parade route this week and then on shelves at participating retailers beginning March 25th.

Chiefs TE Travis Kelce passed Jamaal Charles on this franchise leaderboard vs. Eagles

#Chiefs TE Travis Kelce passed Jamaal Charles on this franchise leaderboard after his seven catch performance against the #Eagles in Week 11.

While the result of the Kansas City Chiefs’ Week 11 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles left a lot to be desired for fans, All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce managed to make some history in the Super Bowl LVII rematch.

With his performance against Philadelphia, Kelce passed legendary running back Jamaal Charles on the franchise leaderboard for combined yardage. He now trails Dante Hall for first place.

Kelce’s seven-catch showing in Week 11 wasn’t the flashiest of his career but was a net positive for Kansas City’s offense, which fell flat in the highly anticipated matchup.

After helping the Chiefs get out to an early lead, Kelce was unable to make much of an impact late in the game, and couldn’t quite get Kansas City out of its second-half rut that doomed the team to failure against the Eagles.

Expect Kelce to do his best to get the Chiefs back on track in Week 12 when Kansas City travels to Sin City to face the Las Vegas Raiders.