Chiefs’ Jamaal Charles says he couldn’t have held out for long

Nov 24, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) runs the ball during the second half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chargers won 41-38. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) runs the ball during the second half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chargers won 41-38. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jamaal Charles truly believed that he had played out his last contract, and deserved a new one prior to reporting to the Kansas City Chiefs’ training camp facility.

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Apparently, the Chiefs agreed as it did not take long for them to reach a deal with their Pro Bowl running back. In fact, the holdout lasted less than an hour, and Charles was able to make it to the first practice. With his new contract in hand, Charles will be the second highest paid running back in the NFL, and will make $8.3 million this season alone. 

Charles admitted to the media earlier this week that even if the Chiefs were unwilling to give him a new contract, he would not have been able to hold out for long (Courtesy of Kansas City):

"That’s not my personality. I couldn’t do it. It’s more than just trying to hold out. I didn’t want to be selfish like that. I think I’m a great person. I’m a good guy.I wanted to do it, but it’s just not me. I’m not a cocky player; I’m not one of those players (to do) that to my team. I’ve always been a team player my whole time here."

In the end, Charles got what he wanted and he did not have to turn his back on his team. Now, we will see if Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch follows in Charles’ footsteps, or decides to hold out until the team is ready to pay him what he believes he deserves.