Former NFL RB Jamaal Charles Talks Depression, Suicidal Thoughts After Retirement

Former NFL running back Jamaal Charles says he had suicidal thoughts and depression after his retirement from the NFL.

"I just went into basically a dark side. Nobody reaching out to guide me out to transition to life after football," Charles said on the Second Acts podcast. "I went to work with investment people and it didn't go well. I started to lose money, so I started to get really depressive and suicidal."

Charles retired from the NFL in 2019 after playing 11 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars. The 37-year-old said he sought therapy to talk about his depression and is still seeing a therapist.

"At that time I did get therapy, so it's nothing wrong. I did talk to a therapist to talk about suicide thoughts, talk about the hard times," Charles said.

Charles made nearly $42 million in salary during his NFL career. He did not indicate how much money he lost investing after his playing days ended.

A star on the football field for nearly his entire life before injuries led to his retirement, Charles said he struggled to find fulfillment elsewhere after his career.

Players have become increasingly open regarding their mental health in recent years, particularly as they navigate difficulties finding a purpose after their playing days are over. Charles said he hopes speaking out will help others who are going through the same things.