Charles Christopher Way (born December 27, 1972) is an American former professional football player who was a fullback in the National Football League (NFL) for five seasons for the New York Giants. He has been the Second Gentleman of New Jersey since September 8, 2023, as the husband of Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way.
Charles Way | |
|---|---|
| Second Gentleman of New Jersey | |
Current | |
| Assumed role September 8, 2023 | |
| Lieutenant Governor | Tahesha Way |
| Preceded by | Michael Guadagno (2018) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 27, 1972 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Spouse | Tahesha Wright |
| Children | 4 |
| Residence | Wayne, New Jersey |
| Education | University of Virginia |
|
American football career | |
| No. 30 | |
| Position: | Fullback |
| Career information | |
| College: | Virginia |
| NFL draft: | 1995 / round: 6 / pick: 206 |
| Career history | |
| |
| Stats at Pro Football Reference | |
Early life
editWay was born in 1972 to Jacqueline and Cleveland Way.[1] he graduated from Northeast High School in Philadelphia, after which he attended the University of Virginia. Way was drafted by the Giants in the sixth round of the 1995 NFL draft, and played in five games his rookie year. Primarily used as a fullback, blocking for Rodney Hampton, Way finished the year with 71 total yards (65 of which were receiving yards) and one touchdown, scoring in week six.
Way started 13 games his second year, again primarily used as a blocker. He scored two touchdowns and finished the year with 79 rushing yards and 328 receiving yards.
Career
editWay was drafted in the sixth round of the 1995 NFL Draft.[2] Way's breakout year was in 1997. Given the starting halfback job after Hampton went down with an injury, Way made the most of his opportunity, rushing for 696 yards and gaining 1,001 all purpose yards, and scored five touchdowns (four rushing). He also rushed for 114 yards against Arizona in week twelve, the only time in his career that he broke the century mark. Way's contributions helped lead the Giants to the division championship and a home playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, but the Giants blew a 19–3 lead and lost the game 23–22.
Way's numbers fell off slightly in 1998, but he still managed to score four touchdowns and rush for 432 yards. His career was halted by a chronic knee injury, and he announced his retirement in 2000.
Post-playing Career
editAfter his playing career, Way spent 14 years with the Giants as their Director of Player Development. In 2014, he became head of the NFL's Player Engagement Department.[3]
Personal life
editWay lives in Wayne, New Jersey, with his wife Tahesha, the current Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State of New Jersey,[4] and a former member of the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders. They have four children.
References
edit- ^ Giants 1995 Official Information Guide. p. 148.
- ^ "1995 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 31, 2023.
- ^ "Charles Way named head of NFL's Player Engagement Department". Archived from the original on July 26, 2014. Retrieved July 22, 2014.
- ^ Tully, Tracey (September 8, 2023). "Tahesha Way Is Sworn In as New Jersey Lieutenant Governor". The New York Times. Retrieved September 8, 2023.