Chiefs gladly reward workhorse Charles
Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles sees no reason carrying one of the NFL’s heaviest loads should take a toll on his longevity.
The two-year contract extension Charles, 27, signed last month runs through the 2017 season, and the three-time Pro Bowl pick sees himself continuing to produce well beyond that.
“I’ll hopefully be in the Hall of Fame one day and stay healthy, and hopefully I can play to 34, 35 years old, man,” Charles told USA TODAY Sports. “Other people think running backs die down past 30, so just try and do (it). Think outside the box.”
Charles’ total of 329 touches last season — 259 carries for 1,287 yards, plus 70 catches for 693 yards and 19 total touchdowns — isn’t extraordinary. (James Wilder set the single-season record of 492 in 1984.)
But it’s worth noting LeSean McCoy’s 366 touches with the Philadelphia Eagles were the lowest total to lead the league since 1990. There is more specialization than ever within NFL offenses, and teams are wary of becoming reliant on a traditional workhorse for all three downs.
“I think the cycle can be broken,” Charles said. “People break cycles all the time. Back in the day, they were doing two-a-days. They were getting beat up. They had 300-pound (linemen) crushing running backs.”
Those collisions happen. Linebacker Derrick Johnson put Charles on his back in practice Sunday. But for a relatively slight back — Charles is listed at 5-11, 199 pounds — he is resilient.
“We’re in short yardage, and the guy’s out there because he’s good at it,” Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith said. “We get in the goal line, and (Jamaal is) who you want out there. It’s crazy that he can handle all those situations.”
He handles so much the Chiefs were willing to extend Charles’ contract with two years remaining, giving him a $4.4 million raise in 2014 as part of a new four-year, $28 million deal that keeps him among the NFL’s highest-paid backs. (He’ll make $8.3 million this season.)
It didn’t get done until the day the Chiefs reported to training camp, but he’s a perfect fit for coach Andy Reid’s offense, and the Chiefs wanted to lock him up.
“All the great ones just want one ( back),” Reid said. “That’s a tough position, and you’ve got to have the right mind-set to play it. Unfortunately, that mind-set and sitting on the bench a couple plays doesn’t go together.”
Reid complimented general manager John Dorsey for giving the Chiefs depth at the position but also said he is comfortable if Charles hits 320 touches for the third consecutive year, in large part because of the way Charles takes care of his body.
Charles changed his diet during his rehabilitation from knee reconstruction surgery in 2011, taking more vitamins, eating more fruits and vegetables and laying off fried foods.
“I ice my knees,” Charles said. “I’ve got an oxygen thing that’s supposed to just take care of your whole body. I get massages. I see the chiropractors. I see all the trainers. I get in the cold tub, hot tub. You’ve got to make sure you’re good on Sunday to go.”
How many times does Charles want the ball in his hands?
“I don’t know,” Charles said. “Sometimes, I’d like 11 touches (in a game). Sometimes, I would like 20 touches. ... Once I get in the rhythm and I’m in the game, I feel so comfortable now. I’m 27 years old. I know what I want, and I know what the team wants.”