Perhaps some of you have heard his story. As a kid, Charles was diagnosed with learning disabilities. He was bullied in school, and told that he would never amount to anything.
In July, Charles gave a powerful address at the opening of the 2015 Special Olympic games. Charles credits his experience participating in the Special Olympics as a 10-year-old in Texas for giving him the confidence he needed to become a success in life.
““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.
“The Special Olympics gave me the first chance to discover a talent that I did not know I had.”
Charles went on to become an All-American running back at Port Arthur (Tx.) High School, and then was a star on the field, and in the classroom, at the University of Texas, where he helped the Longhorns win the 2005 National Championship as a freshman, and earned academic honors in the classroom.
Charles was a third-round draft pick by the Chiefs in 2008, and has been one of the NFL’s best backs. His 5.5 yards per carry (entering the 2015) season is the best in NFL history. He has been selected for four Pro-Bowls. Posted is Charles’ speech, and highlights of him in the NFL.
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