Former Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson has been named the Legend of the Game for Sunday’s matchup against the New England Patriots. Jackson, who previously held this honor, will be recognized during the game at Highmark Stadium.
“It’s always good to be back in that stadium in front of Bills Mafia,” Jackson said. “It kind of just reignites that feeling of walking out of the tunnel, getting ready to compete…It’s great to be back and be in the community, soak up all that fun in the atmosphere that Bills Mafia brings.”
Jackson played eight seasons with the Bills from 2007 to 2014, accumulating 5,646 rushing yards and 30 rushing touchdowns. His selection as Legend of the Game for this contest recalls a notable moment from his career. On September 25, 2011, Jackson made a key play against New England when quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick connected with him for a 38-yard gain. The catch set up a field goal that ended New England’s 15-game winning streak over Buffalo.
“Just to have the opportunity to make the play to put us in a position to do it,” Jackson said about that game. “It was a play that we had practiced all week. And Fitz (Fitzpatrick) had told me, ‘If we get this look, I’m coming to you right away.’ So we line up, and obviously we get the look.
“I start smiling inside. I’m sure he was smiling too. For him to throw it to me and go down and make a play, then we line up to kick that kick. It was just a lot of fun too because I knew what it meant for the community.”
This season, Jackson is also following current Bills running back James Cook closely. The team leads the league with an average of 164 rushing yards per game, with Cook ranking second in rushing yards at 401 and leading in rushing touchdowns with five.
“Being a former running back, I’m a bit biased on that anyways,” Jackson said. “I’ve always said that the best thing to help a quarterback succeed in an offense and run really well is a good running back that you can count on at a consistent pace. And that’s exactly what you get out of James. He’s grown and kept persevering and turned into a tremendous back.”
Jackson looks forward to Sunday night’s atmosphere at Highmark Stadium as fans participate in a White Out event.
“It will be fun for it to be white in the stadium and it’s not 200 tons of snow that need to be removed,” Jackson said with a laugh. “I think the fans are going to enjoy it. I think the atmosphere is just going to be bonkers. You’re playing the Patriots; these guys are on a tremendous run. It’s Sunday Night Football. Everybody’s tuned in.”
