Steven Jackson

Steven Jackson is an American former professional football player who was a prominent running back in the National Football League during the 2000s and early 2010s. He played collegiately at the University of Oregon and was selected in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. Over a twelve-season career he accumulated multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons, earned Pro Bowl recognition, and became one of the leading rushers of his era.

Early life and education

Born in Las Vegas, Nevada, he attended Basic High School in Henderson, Nevada before transferring to Bellarmine College Preparatory in San Jose, California for part of his secondary education. He later moved to Folsom, California, where he completed high school at Folsom High School. During his prep career he was a standout in high school football and track, attracting scholarship offers from programs including the University of Oregon, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and University of Southern California.

College career

He enrolled at the University of Oregon, where he played for the Oregon Ducks under head coaches Mike Bellotti and later staff. He shared backfield duties with teammates such as Maurice Morris and featured in the Pacific-10 Conference schedule against opponents like University of Southern California, University of California, Berkeley, and University of Washington. Over his collegiate tenure he demonstrated a blend of power and speed, contributing in rushing and receiving roles and participating in postseason bowl games.

Professional football career

Selected 24th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams, he became the cornerstone of the Rams' offense through the mid-2000s. He posted breakout seasons, including a 2006 campaign that led the National Football League in rushing yards and earned a Pro Bowl nod. He remained with the Rams through the 2012 season, playing behind offensive lines anchored by linemen such as Orlando Pace (early in the franchise's timeline) and competing against divisional rivals like the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, and Arizona Cardinals. In 2013 he signed with the Atlanta Falcons and contributed in both rushing and passing situations during the regular season and playoffs under head coach Mike Smith. In 2014 he had a brief tenure with the New England Patriots during the offseason and preseason, working with offensive staff led by head coach Bill Belichick, before announcing his retirement from professional play.

Playing style and accomplishments

Known for a combination of size, vision, and pass-catching ability, he was often compared to contemporaries like LaDainian Tomlinson, Adrian Peterson, and Marshawn Lynch in discussions of workhorse backs of the era. He amassed multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons, amassed over 10,000 career rushing yards, and recorded numerous 100-yard rushing games, earning recognition from entities such as the Pro Bowl and league statistical leaderboards. His durability and high snap count made him central to game plans against defenses including the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers, and he finished his career ranked among the all-time leaders in rushing yards and scrimmage yards for his draft class and franchise.

Personal life and post-football activities

Off the field he has been involved in community and charitable initiatives, engaging with organizations in St. Louis and Atlanta. He has appeared in media programs related to NFL Network coverage and local sports broadcasting, and has participated in alumni events for the University of Oregon and former teams. Post-retirement activities have included mentorship of younger players, appearances at charity games and clinics, and business ventures with partners in sports and entertainment sectors.

Category:1983 births Category:Living people Category:American football running backs Category:Oregon Ducks football players Category:St. Louis Rams players Category:Atlanta Falcons players