The 10 most underrated players in Kansas City Chiefs history

Most underrated players in Kansas City Chiefs history

1. Jamaal Charles, running back

Is this a bit of recency bias at work? Perhaps. But at a shiny position like running back, to see such an elite performer like Jamaal Charles still flying under the radar is a travesty.

Here’s the truth: Charles is the most talented running back—and arguably the most dangerous offensive weapon—in Kansas City Chiefs history, a team with a storied past at the position. Unfortunately, here’s another true statement: Charles is likely on the outside looking in when it comes to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

If somehow Hall voters one day decide to induct Charles into their midst, we can reshape this list. Until then, Charles deserves to lead this parade of underrated players in an effort to steer any amount of good will and potential HoF momentum his way. That’s the least we can do for a player who was nothing less than the most dynamic athlete on the field (for either team) during his career.

Charles wasn’t just a great running back when viewed through the lens of accomplishments with a single franchise. Charles was one of the NFL’s best during his playing career from 2008 to 2016. Yes, he leads the Chiefs all-time lists in rushing yards (7,260) and ranks fourth in rushing touchdowns (43), but more than that, he was known for being elite among his peers. Charles’ average of 5.4 yards/carry bests Jim Brown for the all-time NFL record, a sign of just how dangerous he was with the ball in his hands.

Frustratingly, Charles’ inability to remain on the field was his biggest issue. While his talents was unquestioned, his status was often questionable due to numerous injuries suffered in his career. He tore an ACL in 2011 and then another in 2015. The latter would never fully heal and knee issues would cost him the season in ’16 as well. From there, the Chiefs cut ties with him and short stints with the Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars failed to bolster his late career numbers.

That said, perhaps the best evidence for Charles at this stage comes from his peers, a group that voted him as high as No. 8 overall in the NFL on the league’s annual Top 100 players list. He was also a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro. If not for injuries and horrific coaches in charge of his first few years, Charles would have undoubtedly put up more than enough statistics to place him in Canton.

Those things are beyond his reach, however. While on the field, there’s no doubt for those who watched him that Charles was a Hall of Fame talent for the Chiefs.