Former Chiefs running back, Jamaal Charles, talks about battling depression after retiring from the NFL: The former Kansas City star player had an exciting career in football, but he faced a different challenge while away from the sport

A football life can be fulfilling and joyful, accomplishments can be considered enough to have succeeded in life especially if individually a player gives it all, establishes records and the fan loves them. If a player has the opportunity to play in front of a great crowd in every game, it will bring something special out of them.

However, it is not always as fulfilling once in retirement. Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles has opened up about his battle with depression after admitting he became suicidal after retiring from football. Charles, who spent nine seasons in Kansas City before enjoying brief stints with the Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars, brought the curtain down on his career in 2019 after signing a ceremonial one-day contract with the Chiefs.

Hanging up the cleats is always a daunting moment for professional athletes as they weigh what comes next in their lives. And Charles has revealed the mental problems he suffered after walking away at the age of 32. The former Chiefs star running back appeared on the Second Acts Podcast, were opened up about his situation once away from the sport and how he tried to get away from that to live a peaceful life.

“I basically went into a dark side. No one came forward to guide me through the transition to life after football,” he said. “I went to work with investment people and it didn’t go well. I started losing money, so I started becoming very depressed and suicidal.” In the end, seeking help and attending therapy sessions helped Charles get out of the darkness and move forward.

At that time, I had therapy, so there’s nothing wrong. I talked to a therapist to talk about suicidal thoughts, talk about the hard times,” he recalled. “At the time, I was still in therapy, and I still am today.” At that time, I had therapy, so there’s nothing wrong. I talked to a therapist to talk about suicidal thoughts, talk about the hard times,” he recalled. “At the time, I was still in therapy, and I still am today.”