It wasn't until college that I realized not everyone dislikes John Elway as much as folks from Kansas City do. I was talking to a buddy from Chicago during my freshman year, and I referenced John Elway and how much everyone dislikes him.

"John Elway," he said. "Nobody hates John Elway! Are you kidding? It's like hating Peyton Manning."

I was stunned. Of course, this was shortly before Manning would rip out our hearts in the playoffs once again so, yeah, you know how I feel about him.

You can put Jamaal Charles in the same group as my buddy from Chicago. In a live chat on ESPN.com today, Charles said his favorite team growing up was...ugh. Just read it:

Justin (Oklahoma): Who was your favorite pro football team growing up and who was your favorite player?

Charles: John Elway and the Broncos. I just liked the way he played the game.

Oh, man.

You know, Jamaal, it's OK to lie sometimes.

Other highlights from the chat:

• Charles is hesitant to make a prediction, but said he would pick himself in a race against the Titans' Chris Johnson
• His prediction for the season: playoffs and the Super Bowl
• This is the strongest he's ever been
• Texas guys he still talks to include Derrick Johnson (his current teammate), Aaron Ross and Vince Young