Ranking the top 25 Kansas City Chiefs players this decade

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 1: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with tight end Travis Kelce #87 after scoring a second quarter rushing touchdown against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 1, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 1: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with tight end Travis Kelce #87 after scoring a second quarter rushing touchdown against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 1, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – SEPTEMBER 29: Jamaal Charles #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the game at Arrowhead Stadium on September 29, 2014 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – SEPTEMBER 29: Jamaal Charles #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the game at Arrowhead Stadium on September 29, 2014 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /

2. RB Jamaal Charles

During the down years from 2007 to 2012, there were very few bright spots on the Kansas City Chiefs roster. Jamaal Charles, who was drafted in 2008 and was not used much until mid-2009, was one of the few bright spots on the team. This decade was one to remember for Charles.

Charles finished in the top five in the NFL in rushing yards in 2010, 2012 and 2013. He led the NFL with 19 total touchdowns in 2013 and owns the NFL record for highest career yards per carry average for a running back with 5.4 yards per carry.

Despite dealing with an ACL tear in 2011, he came back stronger in 2012. Unfortunately, Charles’ second ACL tear limited him in his return, which led to his eventual retirement from the NFL. Even though his career was cut short due to knee injuries, Charles still accomplished a lot in his nine years in Kansas City.

Charles owns the franchise career rushing title with 7,260 yards. He has 64 touchdowns under his belt, the third most behind Priest Holmes and Tony Gonzales.

Charles also has the eighth best single-game rushing performance with 259 yards against the Denver Broncos. Although that was part of the 2009 season, the Week 17 dominance occurred on January 3, 2010. If you go by calendar year, Charles is just one of two players to rush for 250 yards or more in a game this decade.

With the Chiefs offense following the league’s pass-heavy trend, it is hard to think any running back will break any of Charles’ franchise records anytime soon.