KC Chiefs' Jamaal Charles takes pride in being a running back

There's been a lot of talk over the past year about how the NFL is turning into more of a passing league and thus, the glamour position is now firmly regarded as the quarterback more than the running back.

But not surprisingly, Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles understands the value he and other players at his position brings to the game.

“I think running back is the most important on the field because we pick up the blitz, we run the ball, and we catch the ball,” Charles said. “So I think we do more than the wide receivers, o-line, and maybe the quarterback. So I think the running back job is really important.”

Charles was then asked a question about Minnesota Vikings star running back Adrian Peterson, and whether he agrees with the notion that the 6-foot-2, 220-pounder is the last “true” workhorse running back.

“No, I think I’m a natural running back,” Charles said. “I might not be as strong as him, but I know I can grind out and get five yards or six yards and maybe bang it for a touchdown. AP is one of the powers, one of the strongest running backs, and explosive running backs, but I think I’m the same type of running back as him.”

This story was originally published August 4, 2014 at 5:11 PM with the headline "KC Chiefs' Jamaal Charles takes pride in being a running back."