Chiefs Legend Jamaal Charles Discusses Post-Retirement Depression

Former Kansas City Chiefs running back and perennial Pro Bowl performer Jamaal Charles retired from the NFL in 2019. 

Charles helped usher the modern pass-catching RB with his dynamic stint in KC from 2008 to 2016. He tallied 64 touchdowns and led the league in rushing TDs in 2013 with 12.

After his NFL career, Charles struggled with depression, failing to translate to a normal life after dedicating his mind and body to football for decades.

Charles appeared on the "Second Acts" podcast to share his struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts.

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 07: Running back Jamaal Charles #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs on the sidelines during the first half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 7, 2014 in Glendale, Arizona.  (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

"My mind wasn’t there. I checked out," Charles shared. "My body wasn’t the same. It’s like, man, what do I do next?

"I just went into basically a dark side. Nobody reaching out to guide me out to transition to life after football."

He added: "I went to work with investment people and it didn’t go well. I started to lose money, so I started to get really depressive and suicidal."

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Charles played nine of his 11 seasons with the Chiefs — recording 1,332 carries for 7,260 rushing yards and 2,593 receiving yards in 103 career regular-season games with the team. He went on to play one season each with the Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars.

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 15:  Jamaal Charles #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs for a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum on December 15, 2013 in Oakland, California.  (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

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