Jamaal Charles On His Advice To Texas Longhorns As They Chase National Championship: ‘Take It One Game At A Time’
Jamaal Charles, one of the most electrifying running backs to ever wear a Texas Longhorns jersey, knows a thing or two about pressure, perseverance, and playing at the highest level. When asked recently about what advice he’d offer to the current Longhorns squad chasing a national championship, Charles kept it simple but profound: “Take it one game at a time.” His message wasn’t just a cliché; it was a reflection of a career shaped by focus, adversity, and unwavering dedication to the game.
Charles, who played at Texas from 2005 to 2007, remains a revered figure in Longhorns history. During his tenure, he was part of the legendary 2005 national championship team led by Vince Young, an experience that molded his understanding of what it takes to win at the highest level. That team didn’t just win games — they embodied the ethos of composure under pressure, trust in the process, and unity across all levels of the organization. Charles’ words now carry the weight of someone who’s been there, done it, and walked off with the biggest prize in college football.
His advice to “take it one game at a time” may sound simple, but for athletes in a high-stakes environment, it’s often the hardest mindset to maintain. With media scrutiny, fan expectations, and the internal drive to be great, it’s easy to get caught looking ahead — at rivalry games, at conference championships, at playoff rankings. But Charles knows firsthand that the key to enduring success is remaining grounded in the present. Each week presents its own challenges, and every opponent can pose a threat to a title run if not taken seriously.
Charles reflected on the emotional intensity of competing at Texas, where football isn’t just a sport — it’s a way of life. Every Saturday brings a new chapter in a program rich with history and tradition, where players wear the burnt orange not just for themselves, but for a legacy. As he described his time with the Longhorns, Charles noted that the environment was always demanding, but that pressure forged greatness. The same can be true for the current squad if they’re willing to stay humble, stay hungry, and keep their focus narrow.
One of the biggest dangers for a team in championship contention is overlooking the present moment. The temptation to compare yourself to the best in the country or to look too far ahead can create distractions that undermine performance. Charles emphasized that every game is a test — not just of skill, but of discipline, focus, and team cohesion. The great teams don’t just show up when the lights are brightest; they bring intensity to every practice, every meeting, and every snap, whether it’s against a top-five opponent or an unranked underdog.
The current Longhorns team has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season. With talent at key positions, improved depth, and a coaching staff committed to returning Texas to national prominence, the pieces are in place for a special run. But Charles warned that talent alone isn’t enough. “You can’t win it in one weekend,” he said. “You’ve got to earn it week after week.” That’s a lesson rooted in experience, from the grind of the regular season to the high-stakes postseason where one slip can end the dream.
Looking back at his own collegiate career, Charles remembers the moments when staying focused on the task at hand made all the difference. In 2005, the Longhorns went undefeated, thanks in large part to their ability to block out the noise and execute. Even in hostile environments, the team maintained its poise, never getting too high after a win or too low after a tough series. Charles carried that mindset into his professional career, where he went on to become one of the most productive running backs in NFL history with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Now, as an alumnus and role model, Charles sees himself as part of a larger responsibility — to support the next generation of Longhorns. He’s often in contact with players, coaches, and staff, not to lecture or impose, but to offer insight born from real experience. His advice carries weight because it comes from a place of genuine understanding. He knows the grind. He knows the expectations. And he knows the sweet taste of winning it all.
For the young players looking to make a name for themselves, Charles’ mantra of taking it one game at a time is a reminder to respect the journey. In college football, every team starts the season with high hopes, but only a select few stay disciplined enough to reach the finish line. That discipline comes from within — from the locker room culture, the leadership of upperclassmen, and the example set by legends like Charles who once stood in their shoes.
His words resonate especially deeply at a school like Texas, where the burden of past greatness can either be a source of pressure or a well of inspiration. Charles believes it should be the latter. He urges players to embrace the opportunity, not fear it. To channel the pride of wearing the Longhorn on their helmet into preparation, commitment, and unity. “The championship isn’t won on one play or in one quarter,” he said. “It’s built over months of doing the right thing, of grinding together as a team.”
Charles’ legacy at Texas is secure, but he isn’t content to live in the past. He wants to see the Longhorns rise again, not for nostalgia’s sake, but because he knows what it means to the university, the fans, and the players themselves. He sees the potential and wants to be part of nurturing it. That’s why his advice is so focused on process, not outcomes. Because outcomes can’t be controlled — but effort, attention, and attitude can.
He also reminded the players not to let the pressure become paralyzing. “You can’t be afraid to fail,” Charles said. “You’ve got to trust your work, trust your teammates, and go out there and compete.” That kind of mindset fosters resilience, which is crucial in a sport where even the best teams face adversity. A bad quarter, a missed assignment, or an unexpected injury doesn’t have to derail a season — unless you let it. The teams that recover, adapt, and move forward are the ones that make it deep into December.
As the Longhorns push forward in their pursuit of a national title, they do so with the eyes of an entire fanbase upon them. Expectations are sky-high, and the road ahead won’t be easy. But they have the benefit of learning from those who’ve walked the path before them. Jamaal Charles is one of those voices — calm, wise, and battle-tested. His message may be simple, but it carries the weight of championship experience: “Take it one game at a time.”
If the players can heed that advice, if they can drown out the noise and focus solely on the next play, the next rep, the next opponent, then they’ll give themselves the best possible chance to achieve greatness. Charles didn’t just hand out that advice lightly. He knows it’s a mindset that must be cultivated daily, through hard work, humility, and relentless focus.
So as the Longhorns march toward their goal, they do so with the support of the legends who came before them. Men like Jamaal Charles, who wore the jersey with pride and now offer their voices as guides. The journey is long, and the stakes are high. But if Texas follows Charles’ mantra and embraces each game as a new opportunity, they may just find themselves holding the trophy again — one game at a time.
