The Kansas City Chiefs already had a superstar in veteran running back Jamaal Charles—the NFL's all-time leader in yards per carry and the franchise's leader in career yards rushing. 

After eight seasons, Charles was a known commodity.

What wasn't yet known was the ability of the two guys backing him up—Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware, who might have had the confidence of their teammates but hadn't proven it on the field during a game.

Then, they got their chance to prove it.

When Charles went down with a season-ending knee injury in Week 5, West and Ware were called upon to help lead a 1-5 team back from a time in which preseason goals were close to becoming unattainable.

It's a story that has been told.

They both answered that call, and as Charles now continues his rehab and by all accounts looks to be on track to participate in training camp, the running backs group looks to be one of the deepest and most talented in the NFL heading into this season.

"It all starts with number 25," Chiefs running backs coach Eric Bieniemy said. "Even though he's not out here (at OTAs), he does a great job with those guys in the meeting room. The way he conducts and carries himself on a day-to-day basis. All those things, they go hand in hand into why he's had the success he's had, and those guys are learning from what he's done.

"It's a great chemistry and vibe that we have."

With more than 9,600 total yards and 62 touchdowns in his All-Pro career, there's plenty of reason for the guys to be looking up to Charles.

Overall, the running backs room is one that Bieniemy appreciates, full of different personalities and characters.

"You enjoy it because you wouldn't want everybody the same," Bieniemy explained. "You've got your quiet types, and I've got guys that can't be quiet. I'm blessed and fortunate. I have a good group of men that understand the importance of being a professional, and they work hard every single day."

Ware, who like West, spent time on the practice squad before getting his opportunity and a contract extension this offseason, feels a responsibility to continue pushing forward because of the trust they showed in him.

"They just blessed me tremendously by having faith in me," Ware said. "Where I'm at now, being able to take care of my family and that sort, it just holds me more accountable. Now they're looking to me to help us get to that promise land, so I have to hold myself more accountable on and off the field.

"I won't let them or myself down."

Ware finished the season with 72 carries for 403 yards and 6 touchdowns.

"Nothing is guaranteed," he added. "I'm not content where I'm at and what my goals are set as far as to be a premier running back in the NFL, and also be that game changer that's a household name. I still have a lot to prove out there."

When asked about the potential of having the best running backs group in the NFL, Ware didn't bite.

"I leave all of the ratings and all that to you guys," Ware told the media. "I know what we can control and how we're going to go out there and battle.

"We're going to make big plays."