Is Jamaal Charles the best running back in Kansas City Chiefs history?

By Matt Conner | Oct 24, 2023, 6:47 PM CDT

Dec 15, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) eludes Oakland Raiders cornerback Tracy Porter (23) to score on a 39-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

2 of 6

No. 5 – Christian Okoye – 1987-1992

Christian Okoye should still be very familiar to many Chiefs fans. The 250+ pound beast known as the Nigerian Nightmare was just that for opposing defenses, because Okoye was nearly impossible to bring down. Unfortunately, knee injuries took their toll on Okoye and he retired before the ’93 season began.

Tecmo Bowl helped cement Okoye’s legacy for those who were unable to watch the running back play in person. Okoye was the second Chiefs player to ever lead the NFL in rushing, rushing for 1,480 yards in 1989 on a staggering 370 carries. Opponents would know exactly what Okoye was going to do and yet they couldn’t stop him from doing it. Okoye made the Pro Bowl that season and again in 1991.

When Okoye retired, he was the team’s all-time rushing leader with 4,897 yards and 40 career touchdowns. He entered the Chiefs Hall of Fame in 2000.

Home/Kansas City Chiefs News