Charles was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth round, 116th overall, of the 2012 NFL draft.[5] In his rookie season, he played all 16 games, starting 6 of them, accumulating 8 receptions for 101 yards. In 2013 Charles played primarily at fullback; He played 13 games but started none and recorded one catch for eight yards.[6]
Tennessee Titans
Charles was signed to the practice squad of the Tennessee Titans on September 1, 2014. He was released on September 9, 2014.[7]
New Orleans Saints
On September 23, 2014, Charles was signed to the New Orleans Saints practice squad.
Detroit Lions
On June 16, 2016, Charles was signed by the Detroit Lions.[8] He was released on October 4, 2016.[9]
Kansas City Chiefs
On May 31, 2017, Charles signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.[10] He was waived on September 2, 2017 and was signed to the Chiefs' practice squad the next day.[11][12] He was released on October 7, 2017.[13] He was re-signed to the practice squad on October 25, 2017. He was promoted to the active roster on November 28, 2017.[14] He was waived by the Chiefs on May 3, 2018.[15]
Cleveland Browns
On July 30, 2018, Charles signed with the Cleveland Browns.[16] He made the Browns final roster as the team's fourth tight end. Despite being listed as a tight end, Charles had lined up primarily as a fullback throughout the 2018 season. He appeared on the 2018 Pro Bowl ballot as a fullback, and Browns coaches have signaled they view him as such.[17] The Browns placed Charles on injured reserve with an ankle injury on December 13, 2018.[18]
On April 3, 2019, Charles re-signed with the Browns.[19] The Browns waived Charles on August 11, 2019.
Denver Broncos
On August 21, 2019, Charles signed with the Denver Broncos.[20] He was released on August 31, 2019.[21] He was re-signed on November 19, 2019, but was released three days later.[22]
Charles was drafted in the 6th round of the 2020 XFL Draft by the DC Defenders,[23] but did not sign with the team.
Legal troubles
Shortly before the 2012 NFL Draft, Charles was arrested for a DUI.[24]
On March 31, 2014, Charles was arrested for wanton endangerment in Richmond, Kentucky. Charles was pulled over by a police officer after another driver called in a complaint that Charles had shown a gun multiple times.[24] In February 2015 Charles pleaded guilty to wanton endangerment and will enter a diversion program.[25]
On July 16, 2022, Charles was arrested for pulling a gun on off-duty police officers in Tampa, Florida.[26]
