Kansas City Chiefs

Broncos RB Jamaal Charles says getting cut by the Chiefs was ‘personal’

Published May. 3, 2017 8:28 a.m. ET

Cameron DaSilva

Jamaal Charles has spent his entire career trying to beat the Broncos twice a year, racking up more rushing yards against Denver than any other team in the NFL. Now, he’s trying to win a Super Bowl with his former rival.

Based on his comments Tuesday, after signing a one-year deal with the Broncos, he may not have hated Denver as much as one would assume. In fact, he’s always wanted to play for John Elway’s team.

“I always wanted to play with Denver," Charles said via the team’s official site. "Growing up, John Elway was my favorite player. I just like the environment, the team and the organization. I wanted to be a part of it. I still feel like I can still play ball. I can keep up with the young people.”

While it was purely a business decision for Kansas City, Charles took it personally.

“Really, it’s behind me,” Charles said. “I really don’t even talk about it. I love the organization, love the team. At the end of the day it’s a business, but it’s kind of personal as well. It is what it is.”