2009 was Charles’ second season in the NFL, during which he took over the top running back spot from the incumbent Larry Johnson, who the Chiefs chose to move on from during the Week 8 bye that year.
Through the first seven weeks of that season behind Johnson, Charles had compiled 116 yards rushing and 0 touchdowns. But in nine weeks as the starter, he exploded for 1,004 yards rushing and 8 total touchdowns. He followed that season up with 1,467 yards rushing and another 8 total touchdowns in 2010.
In two seasons, Charles became Kansas City’s most important player, and that was no more prevalent than in 2011, when he tore his left ACL during a Week 2 matchup against the Detroit Lions.