Jamaal Charles underwent stem-cell surgery
The Kansas City Chiefs watched one of their worst nightmares unfold in Week 5 against the Chicago Bears. Superstar running back Jamaal Charles went to make a cut near the goal line on a run he has made hundreds of times. Only on this occasion, his knee gave out.
Charles immediately went to the ground clutching his knee, and it was all but known. Charles has torn his ACL, this time his second such injury. At the age of 28, it seems Charles’ career is very much in jeopardy.
With all of that in mind, the Pro Bowler and All-Pro decided to make a change to his rehab this time around. Charles spoke with Jenny Vrentas of Monday Morning Quarterback and talked about the kind of surgery he went with.
"Stem cells. I had it the first time when I had my surgery, and I had to go back after six weeks for another treatment. It went well."
Charles then explained why he went this route.
"It’s something different. Every year, somebody comes out with something different. When I tore my left ACL 4 years ago, I didn’t do it. This is a new thing that came out to get you back faster, so I just tried it."
If Charles can come back from this injury, it would be when he’s 29 years old. This is something of a graveyard age for running backs, who are usually on their last legs. However, Charles looked terrific this season before getting hurt, so many he is one of those rare men who can play running back into their 30s.
We have already seen some amazing recoveries around the Chiefs in recent times. Derrick Johnson came back at 33 years old from an Achilles injury, while Eric Berry beat cancer while actually gaining a pound during chemo. For Charles, he is hoping to make it another miraculous story in Kansas City.
"That’s what my goal is, to come back harder. I’ve got time off on my body now, and I get to build both of my legs to be stronger and get my upper body stronger. I want to come back and be one of the top running backs in the NFL, the leader in rushing and help my team win a Super Bowl. That’s my goal for next year, I’m just waiting my time, I just want one more shot, and I can show everybody what I can do."
We’re with you, Jamaal.