Steven Jackson, a dynamic running back, left an indelible mark on the National Football League (NFL) with his powerful running style and consistent performances. Born on July 22, 1983, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Jackson's journey to professional football began at Oregon State University, where he played college football for the Beavers. His impressive college career, highlighted by his ability to break tackles and gain significant yardage, caught the attention of NFL scouts.
In the 2004 NFL Draft, the St. Louis Rams selected Jackson in the first round with the 24th overall pick. He quickly became an integral part of the Rams' offense, taking over the starting running back position from Marshall Faulk, a future Hall of Famer. Jackson's rookie season set the stage for what would be a remarkable career, as he rushed for 673 yards and four touchdowns, showcasing his potential as a powerful and reliable back.
Over the next several seasons, Jackson established himself as one of the league's most productive running backs. From 2005 to 2012, he consistently surpassed 1,000 rushing yards each season, a testament to his durability and skill. His breakout year came in 2006 when he led the NFL in total yards from scrimmage with 2,334, including 1,528 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns. This performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection and solidified his reputation as a workhorse back.
Jackson's tenure with the Rams was marked by his ability to carry the offensive load, often being the focal point of the team's game plan. Despite playing for a team that struggled to achieve consistent success, he remained a bright spot, earning three Pro Bowl selections during his time in St. Louis. His combination of size, speed, and agility made him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses, and he was known for his ability to break tackles and gain extra yards after contact.
In 2013, Jackson signed with the Atlanta Falcons, seeking to contribute to a team with playoff aspirations. Although his time with the Falcons was not as statistically prolific as his years with the Rams, he provided veteran leadership and experience to the team's backfield. Over two seasons in Atlanta, he accumulated 1,250 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, continuing to demonstrate his ability to find the end zone.
Jackson's final NFL season came in 2015 when he joined the New England Patriots late in the year. Although his role was limited, he added depth to the Patriots' running back corps and appeared in two regular-season games. Following the 2015 season, Jackson retired from professional football, concluding a career that saw him rush for 11,438 yards and 69 touchdowns, ranking him among the top rushers in NFL history.
Throughout his career, Jackson was known for his work ethic and professionalism, earning the respect of teammates and opponents alike.
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