Before Jamaal Charles was an All-Pro running back for the Kansas City Chiefs – and your golden boy or nemesis in fantasy football several years ago – the University of Texas alumnus first discovered his athletic talent when he stepped on to the track at the Special Olympics.
Charles gave an incredibly inspiring speech to a stadium packed with contestants and fan’s alike at this year’s Special Olympics opening ceremony. The running back ruminated on his own struggles that came with dealing with his disabilities as a kid, and spoke of the courage it took to overcome them to become an absolute force on the football field.
Check out Jamaal Charles’ awesome speech right here, and take note of the Special Olympics organization’s awesome mantra that he leads everybody through at the end.
“When I was a boy, I had trouble reading. I found out I had learning disabilities,” Charles said. “People made fun of me. They said I would never go anywhere, but I learned I can fly.”
At 10-years-old, Charles’ competed in track and field at the Special Olympics. He won gold and the rest is history.
Who would’ve thought? I, for one, had no idea of Charles’ plight. Truly, truly inspiring stuff.
[h/t Black Sports Online]