Jamaal RaShaad Jones Charles is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He played college football for the University of Texas, and was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

Charles's first year as a Chief was hardly in the spotlight; as a backup to halfback Larry Johnson, Charles rushed only 67 times for 357 yards. His breakout season came the following year in 2009. In his second year, Charles rushed 190 times for 1,120 yards, despite only starting 10 games after Larry Johnson was suspended. Shortly thereafter, Johnson was released, leaving Charles as Kansas City's starting halfback.

As of the 2017 season, Charles is the NFL's all-time leader in career yards-per-carry among running backs, with a 5.5 average.

Charles attended and played college football for the University of Texas from 2005–2007 under head coach Mack Brown.

The Kansas City Chiefs selected Charles in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft with the 73rd overall pick, acquired from the Minnesota Vikings in the Jared Allen trade. He was the ninth running back to be selected that year. Charles thought he would go early in the second round but said he had no regrets about leaving college early. Charles was expected to begin his career as the Chiefs' No. 3 back behind Larry Johnson and Kolby Smith.

In his first professional football game, Charles rushed for 28 yards on five carries against the New England Patriots. He also recorded two catches for six yards. The Chiefs would go on to lose the game 17–10.

In Charles's first professional season, he ended with 357 yards rushing and 272 yards receiving, but what was most impressive in his rookie season was his 5.3 yard per carry average. In Week 9 of the 2008 season with Larry Johnson out, Charles was given the bulk of the carries and managed 106 yards on 18 carries against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In Week 16 of the 2008 season, Charles managed to go over 100 yards receiving with 3 catches for 102 yards against the Miami Dolphins.

On May 2, 2017, Charles signed a one-year, $3.75 million contract with the Denver Broncos. In the season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football, Charles had 10 rushes for 40 yards but lost a fumble in his Broncos debut. In Week 3, in a 26–16 loss to the Buffalo Bills, he scored his lone rushing touchdown of the season. In 14 games, he had 296 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown, 23 receptions, and 129 receiving yards.

Charles signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 9, 2018. He was released on October 22, 2018.

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