Chiefs legend Jamaal Charles talks about his NFL playoff experiences and his expectations for the Chiefs-Browns divisional playoff game.
Kansas City Chiefs all-time rushing yards leader Jamaal Charles has more than cemented his legendary status in franchise history. The four-time Pro Bowler holds several NFL records, including most receiving touchdowns by a running back in a single game, and most career yards-per-carry for a running back.
Charles recently teamed up with Crown Royal this season, encouraging football fans to stay safe, support their community, and drink responsibly while rooting on teams during the NFL season. Chiefs Wire contributing writer Ed Easton Jr. recently sat down with Charles to talk about his work with Crown Royal, his expectations for this Sunday’s divisional-round battle with the Cleveland Browns and more.
Chiefs Wire: Tell us about your partnership with Crown Royal
Charles: “This football season, I teamed up with Crown Royal to make sure wherever you watching the game to drink responsibly, and stay safe, don’t ruin games for family and friends.”
Chiefs Wire: What are your thoughts on this year’s Chiefs squad heading into Sunday’s game
Charles: “I’m ready to get it on. I’m looking forward to watching the Browns and the Chiefs this week seeing Kareem (Hunt) come back home and try and take vengeance against his former team. I want to see what Baker Mayfield is about to do against the defense, and I want to see Pat (Patrick Mahomes) on the field. I want to see Travis (Kelce) and Tyreek (Hill) and all the great weapons they have on offense, it’s gonna be interesting. As long as the Chiefs don’t start like last weekend with the Steelers against the Browns, they have a great chance at moving on to the next round.”
Chiefs Wire: What are your thoughts on Chiefs’ first-year running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire?
Charles: “He’s having a great year thus far. He’s represented the number [Jersey No. 25] very well. His yards after contact is up there like Derrick Henry if he just comes back healthy. I know the Chiefs would be successful at how he opens the game up for Pat (Patrick Mahomes).”
Chiefs Wire: What was the mood during your first playoff game?
Charles: “It was fun. I played Baltimore in my first game in the playoffs; most people don’t understand that it’s a different building, a different level, a different emotion in the playoffs. I was very upset we lost against Baltimore; it was a tough team playing against Ray Lewis, and basically, we had Matt Cassel. It was just hard to try and put together a game plan, but we could’ve easily won that game.”
Chiefs Wire: Can you describe what was going through your mind when you became the Chiefs all-time leading rusher in 2014?
Charles: “I was just excited to do it excited to get over the hurdle to be the leading rusher in franchise history; that was one of the milestones I wanted to accomplish, and I did, and I was excited. I’m still happy that I am still the Chiefs leading rusher to this day, I don’t stop and stare, but I’m excited to be on the list.”
Chiefs Wire: What makes Andy Reid’s coaching style so unique?
Charles: “Andy Reid knows how to get the ball to his best players hands, and he also knows to put them in space and make people miss you just gotta do the rest. He’s a great caller you got coach (Eric) Bieniemy that’s helping him out as well; he was there when I was there as well. He put everything in detail, which helps you, even more.”
Chiefs Wire: Were there any similarities between Travis Kelce and Tony Gonzalez?
Charles: “My first year when I played with Tony (Gonzalez) he was a guy that every time he went on the practice field, he used to run his own routes while the defense was on, I’d be like, ‘what are you doing’, and he just is over there running routes catching a lot of passes throughout the entire practice. And I know playing with (Travis) Kelce, he used to do that as well at a young age and go and catch like 100 balls a day with the jug machine. I saw all that coming with Kelce; he’s gonna be a great player. When he was a rookie, he was doing spectacular stuff. Being able to play with him while I was there, I knew he was a great route runner, I knew he was gonna be one of the best tight ends in the league today.”
Chiefs Wire: What advice would you give the Chiefs regarding utilizing the Arrowhead Stadium fan energy?
Charles: “Take the energy that you get from the crowd. I know it’s not the same like they experienced last year from the playoffs but be thankful for what you have, be thankful that you have fans. Most people didn’t have fans throughout the entire season so make those fans happy and shout for them because hopefully will be back together next year will have a sold-out stadium. We just have to deal with what we have now; we’re still in a pandemic.”
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