The Buffalo Bills have been in existence since 1960, with over 1,800 players and counting have worn a Bills uniform in a game. The rich history, splendid tapestry, good times, and bad times all bring us together every gameday. We have rooted for one-game wonders, fan-favorites, All-Pros, Pro Bowlers, and Hall of Famers. So, lets refresh your memories and remember another former Buffalo Bills player who was a well-known fan favorite during the infamous playoff drought.
This week we are going to ‘remember a Bill’. The recurring piece that will jog your memories and bring back the fondness of watching this player put on the pads and play for our beloved Bills. Now, the players we will remember are not necessarily All-Stars or Hall of Famers but just a someone that will make you stop and say, “hey, I remember him.”
This week’s remember a Bill: RB Fred Jackson
This is the ultimate ‘bet on yourself’ story. Fred Jackson started from humble beginnings. He was a backup running back at Lamar High School in Arlington, Texas, which led to Division III Coe College. There, Fred Jackson was named to seven All American teams between football and track. Iowa Conference’s MVP in 2002 and 2003. He graduated as the third leading rusher in Kohawks history with 4,054 yards and third all-time in touchdowns (47).
Fred Jackson led Coe College to its first Iowa Conference championship in 2003 with his 1,702 yard 29 touchdown senior season. He was also the first two-time recipient of the Barron Bremner Outstanding Athlete Award. A prestigious award given by Coe College. After Coe College, Jackson went undrafted and had tryouts with the Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, and Green Bay Packers.
When he wasn’t signed, he went to the Indoor Football League’s Sioux City Bandits where he played two seasons. In 2005 Jackson was named co-MVP of United Indoor Football totaling 1,770 yards and 53 total touchdowns. 2006 brought Jackson to Germany to play a season in NFL Europe for the Rhein Fire where he led the team with 731 rushing yards.
Kohawks of a feather fly together when then Bills GM and Coe College alum Marv Levy invited Jackson to Bills training camp in 2006 and the rest is history. Jackson finished his 8-year Bills career third all-time in rushing with 5,646 yards. There are too many fun highlights to choose from but how about this one:
The ‘InFREDible’ Hulk started as a mild-mannered kid from Arlington, TX and is now a Bills legend. Jackson also teamed with UB Heals with 25% of all sales of ‘FJ22’ socks going directly to UB Heals. You can find out more here. Fred Jackson. Outstanding athlete, resilient, a leader, a fan favorite, an underdog, a guy you rooted for, which we did with great joy. Fred Jackson, we remember you fondly.