By JOHN WAWROW
Fred Jackson’s tenure with the Buffalo Bills is over after the veteran running back, respected team leader and fan favorite was released on Monday.
The decision came only as a mild surprise after the Bills acquired LeSean McCoy in a trade this offseason. But Jackson’s release was significant nonetheless because of the blue-collar style and perseverance he displayed during his nine seasons in Buffalo.
General manager Doug Whaley called it a “difficult decision” in a statement released by the team.
“He had an incredible career for this organization for the past 10 years,” Whaley said. “We thank Fred for his hard work, dedication and leadership during his tenure with the Buffalo Bills. Fred has inspired the city of Buffalo in a number of ways.”
Aside from McCoy, the Bills’ depth chart at running back includes Boobie Dixon, Bryce Brown and hard-hitting rookie fifth-round draft pick, Karlos Williams.
The cuts were made two days after Jackson made an impact in what was his final game in Buffalo’s 43-19 preseason win over Pittsburgh.
After missing three weeks with a hamstring injury, Jackson was greeted by loud chants of “Freddie!” when he was introduced among the starters. On the Bills first offensive play from scrimmage, Jackson broke off on a 41-yard run, and scored on a 1-yard dive two plays later.
The offseason additions left Jackson aware that his days in Buffalo might be numbered, which is something he acknowledged following the game Saturday.
“You have to prove yourself every time you step out on the field, and I’m included in that,” Jackson said. “I wanted to go out and make some plays today. And I was able to put up something that I could be happy about.”
At 34, Jackson was the NFL’s oldest active running back. And he insisted he still had years left in his career.
With nine seasons in Buffalo, Jackson had been the second-longest serving active player behind only defensive tackle Kyle Williams. Jackson was undrafted out of Coe College, and was playing in a second-tier arena football league when the Bills signed him to their practice squad in 2006.
Jackson made the active roster the following season and proceeded to win the starting job in 2009, when he had a career best 1,062 yards rushing, added 371 yards receiving and combined for four touchdowns.
Injuries slowed Jackson’s productivity over the past few seasons.
Jackson was one of 12 players cut on Monday, when all NFL teams had to reduce their roster to 75 players.
The Bills also cut running back Ricky Seale, who was signed after McCoy hurt his hamstring in training camp two weeks ago.
Also cut by Buffalo were defensive backs Ross Cockrell, Kenny Ladler, Ellis Lankster, Wes Miller and Cam Thomas; defensive linemen Michael Buchanan, Justin Hamilton and Cedric Reed; offensive linemen Terren Jones and D.J. Morell; linebacker Andrew Hudson and receiver Austin Willis.
The Bills returned to practice and prepare to play at Detroit in their preseason finale on Thursday night.
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