The Kansas Chiefs announced Tuesday the release of running back Jamaal Charles.
The #Chiefs are releasing RB Jamaal Charles, the expected move given his cap number and their signings. He’s healthy after two surgeries…
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 28, 2017
Jamaal Charles Released by Kansas City Chiefs
Jamaal Charles was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round of the 2008 draft. During his nine seasons with the team he went on to become the franchise’s leading rusher. Charles is also the NFL’s career leader in yards per carry with 5.5. Moving on from a fan favorite and franchise legend like Charles will be a tough pill to swallow.
“On behalf of my family and the entire Kansas City Chiefs team, I’d like to thank Jamaal Charles for his contributions and dedication over the last nine seasons,” Chiefs owner Clark Hunt said. “Jamaal has been one of the most prolific players in our organization’s history, and I have an enormous amount of respect for what he has accomplished. He’ll always be a part of the Chiefs family, and we’ll be ready to honor him for his outstanding playing career when the time is right.”
The release does not come as a shock to many as the 30-year-old from Port Arthur, Texas hasn’t seen much action in previous two seasons due to his second ACL tear. His first occurred in the 2011 season while his second was in 2015. Charles returned in 2016 only to play three games before being shut down again for the season. His knee was beginning to cause pain and swell once again, forcing the third round pick to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery.
Jamaal Charles will finish his Chiefs tenure with 9,717 yards of total offense and 64 touchdowns. He also was a four time Pro Bowl selection. The Chiefs still have four running backs on the roster with Spencer Ware, Charcandrick West, C.J. Spiller, and Darrin Reaves.
