Former Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles opens up about how time in Special Olympics gave him confidence for NFL career

Legendary Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles' path to an NFL career was an unlikely one.

Growing up, Charles was in special education due to a learning disability that made it difficult for him to read and pronounce words. Charles went through all the trials and tribulations that come with that as a child, but fortunately he found an outlet - the Special Olympics.

Daily Special Olympics competitions are held around the world at local, regional and national levels. The Special Olympics World Games alternate in two-year cycles between winter and summer. Charles discovered the unique athletic talents he had while participating in the Special Olympics, specifically running.

When Charles started piling up ribbons and awards, it established the confidence in him to pursue sports not only in high school, but eventually at the college and professional level. While appearing on the NFL Players Second Act podcast, Charles credited his special education peers and teachers for giving him a level of comfort to be himself.

Charles would go on to have a successful collegian career at the University of Texas in both track and field and football. He was a four-time All-American in track and Big 12 Outdoor champion in the 100-meter dash. When he shifted his focus to football, Charles was named the Big-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year, a First-Team All-Big 12 selection and a two-time Second-Team All-Big 12 selection.

This propelled Charles into NFL stardom with the Chiefs. However, it didn't start easily. After being selected in the third-round of the 2008 NFL Draft, Charles basically rode the bench until midway through the 2009 season. He finished the year strong, though, including recording a 259-yard rushing performance in the season finale.

For the following five years, Charles was one of the best running backs in the league. He ran with blazing speed, great vision and tremendous balance. He was also a great receiving back. One of Charles' most memorable performances came in 2013 when he caught eight passes for 195 yards and five total touchdowns (four receiving, one rushing).

Charles finished his Chiefs career as the team's all-time leading rusher with 7,260 yards. Knee problems eventually ended his time in Kansas City in 2016. He spent time with the Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars in 2017 and 2018 but wasn't able to get back into form. Charles retired in 2019 and still owns the NFL record for highest rushing yards per carry at 5.4.

It was an improbable run for Charles. Too many individuals with learning disabilities are disregarded when it comes to being able to do great things. The Special Olympics provided a pathway for Charles and his peers to be built up in a positive manner and have success.

Related: Andy Reid calls ex-Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles a 'Hall of Fame player'