Buffalo Bills: Top 5 highlights from Fred Jackson’s career

3) Record-breaking year in 2009

Jackson was so determined to make his NFL dream come true, he would do whatever it took; play wherever he was asked. And it was this willingness which would result in 2009 being a truly special season.

We already know about the high school track star’s 1,000 yards rushing, the only time he would break this barrier in his nine-year NFL career. However, he achieved so much more, to leave his mark on pro football.

Jackson solidified his position as a dual-threat out of the backfield, by setting new career-bests in receptions, receiving yards, and scores through the air. And then there were his kick returns.

The versatile back also totaled 1,014 yards on kick returns. In the process, he become the first player in NFL history to have 1,000 yards rushing and on kick returns in the same season.

Throw in another 69 on punt returns, and Jackson finished the 2009 campaign leading the league with 2,516 combined net yards. As of today, this stands as the fifth-most combined yards a player has ever recorded in a single season.