Running back Jamaal Charles has officially retired from the game of football, doing so as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs.
On the day he signed a one-day contract with the Chiefs and took his “final handoff” from quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Charles took to his official Instagram account to thank his fans in a statement.
CHARLES: “After 25 years of playing this sport I love so much, and 11 years in the NFL I’m officially hanging up my cleats for the last time today. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to play this game at the highest level and every friend and family member that has helped me with my personal development along the way. Big thanks to Memorial High School, THE University Texas , and the Kansas City Chiefs for taking a chance on a kid from Port Arthur, Texas. Thanks to all of my teammates, coaches, and mentors that has helped because there is absolutely no way I could’ve gotten this far alone. HUGE thanks to my beautiful and loving wife Whitney (and my kids) for the support through thick and thin in my career because I know I wasn’t the easiest to deal with lol. To all the kids I’ve inspired along the way, please know that you all inspired me far more than you will ever know and motivated me to keep going. Last but not least, CHIEFS NATION, I’m forever indebted to you all as you are the BEST FAN BASE IN THE WORLD!!
Love always, J. Charles”
The Chiefs also posted a highlight video commemorating the day.
Thank you for everything you have done for #ChiefsKingdom, Jamaal! pic.twitter.com/YcSXG3xIRn
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) May 1, 2019
“There are so many people in this building that played a part in my success on the field,” Charles says in the video. “I wanted to come back and show my love to those people that show love to me and I think it was only right to do it here.”