Former Kansas City Chiefs running back is wasting no time giving back to fans now that he’s a member of the Denver Broncos.
It hasn’t taken long for Jamaal Charles to settle into his role as a member of the Denver Broncos, as both a star NFL player on the field and a role model off of it. He’s continued to give back to the Special Olympics over the years and he recently took part in an NFL Play60 event to do so now that he’s in Denver.
.@jcharles25 got things started this afternoon at a @SpecOlympicsCO #PLAY60 All-Ability Clinic in Pat Bowlen Fieldhouse. #BeAChampion pic.twitter.com/Lm4mscagrH
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) May 9, 2017
Charles has been vocal about his own upbringing with a learning disability and even spoke about his story at the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics two years ago. His story eventually turned into a book that discusses his journey and how the Special Olympics helped him overcome his disability and see his talents for where they could take him.
"“Being a part of the Special Olympics growing up, they told me that I could just have hope,” Charles said. “It opened my eyes up that I could get out in the community and do more, and that I’m not just an average person. It means a lot to me to be a part of this and try to inspire kids and show them to not give up. Because sometimes in this position, we give up. These kids here, they have bright hearts, and I want them to keep being strong and to motivate them to be successful in life.”"
Charles was released by the Kansas City Chiefs earlier this offseason and signed with the Denver Broncos shortly after the 2017 NFL Draft. Charles had taken a single free agent visit with the Seattle Seahawks during the frenzied period of free agency, but the Broncos swooped in after the draft and kept Charles from leaving the building without signing. Since then, Chiefs fans have wrestled with both Charles’ remarks after signing with the Broncos and the idea of the team’s all-time leading rusher taking snaps for the division rival.