Charles Way

Way 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 selected by the New York Giants in the sixth round of the 1995 NFL draft with the 206th overall pick,^[2] and started in four games his rookie year.^[3] 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.

He 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.

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. His 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.

After 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.^[4]

Way lives in Wayne, New Jersey, with his wife Tahesha, the immediate past Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State of New Jersey,^[5] and a former member of the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders. They have four children.