Jabar Gaffney, a wide receiver known for his reliable hands and route-running ability, began his professional football career after being selected in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans. Gaffney's entry into the NFL followed a successful college career at the University of Florida, where he was recognized as a consensus All-American. His transition to the professional league was marked by his adaptability and consistency on the field.
During his rookie season with the Texans, Gaffney quickly became a dependable target, finishing the year with 483 receiving yards and one touchdown. Over the next few seasons, he continued to develop his skills, becoming an integral part of the Texans' receiving corps. His tenure with Houston lasted until 2005, during which he accumulated over 2,000 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
In 2006, Gaffney signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, though his time there was brief. He soon found a new home with the New England Patriots, where he reunited with his former college teammate, quarterback Tom Brady. Gaffney's performance with the Patriots was highlighted by his contributions during the 2006 playoffs, where he played a crucial role in the team's postseason success. He recorded 244 receiving yards and two touchdowns in three playoff games, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure.
Gaffney remained with the Patriots through the 2008 season, consistently providing depth and experience to the receiving unit. In 2009, he joined the Denver Broncos, where he enjoyed some of the most productive years of his career. During his two seasons with the Broncos, Gaffney recorded over 1,600 receiving yards and four touchdowns, including a career-high 875 receiving yards in 2010.
The Washington Redskins acquired Gaffney in 2011, and he continued to showcase his skills as a reliable receiver. That season, he achieved a personal best of 947 receiving yards and five touchdowns, leading the team in both categories. His performance with the Redskins underscored his ability to adapt to different offensive systems and maintain a high level of play.
Gaffney's final NFL season came in 2012 with the Miami Dolphins, although his time with the team was limited.
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