Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles has shared his struggles with depression and revealed that he experienced suicidal thoughts after retiring from the NFL.
Charles, who played for the Chiefs for nine seasons before brief stints with the Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars, officially retired in 2019 at the age of 32.
“I checked out,” Charles said, reflecting on his mental state at the time. “My body wasn’t the same. It’s like, ‘What do I do next?’ I went into a dark place. Nobody reached out to guide me through the transition to life after football.”
Charles admits he faced mental health challenges after retiring from the NFL at 32 in 2019
He went on to explain that he struggled with investments and lost money, which further contributed to his depression. “I started to get really depressive and suicidal,” Charles confessed.
However, he found solace in therapy, which helped him navigate through those challenging times. “I did talk to a therapist about suicide thoughts and the hard times,” he shared. “I still go to therapy today.”
Charles was a highly successful player during his time in Kansas City, earning two First-Team All-Pro selections and four Pro Bowl appearances. He was drafted by the Chiefs in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft and holds the joint record for most rushing touchdowns (12) in the 2013 season, alongside Marshawn Lynch of the Seattle Seahawks.
He spent nine seasons with the Chiefs after being drafted in the third round in 2008
After leaving the Chiefs, Charles was unable to replicate the same level of success with his subsequent teams and ultimately decided to retire from the sport.
His story serves as a reminder of the challenges that many professional athletes face when transitioning to life after their playing careers. It also underscores the importance of seeking help and support for mental health issues.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please seek help. You can call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 in the US or Samaritans at 116123 in the UK, or visit www.samaritans.org.
