Steven Jackson’s offseason of transition has been buzzing along at a frenetic pace.
After spending the past nine seasons toiling on mostly bad St. Louis Rams teams, the Falcons’ new running back has a new bounce in his step these days and has already made an instant impact during the Falcons’ offseason workout program.
He will take the field with the team when it starts organized team activities next Tuesday.
“I look forward to seeing both Steven (Jackson) and (free agent addition defensive end) Osi (Umenyiora) get on the field,” Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. “They have done a great job so far with their leadership and that’s one of the reasons that we wanted them on board. They are just top-notched leaders in their own right.”
Jackson has been shuttling between Atlanta and St. Louis, transplanting both his football and civic roots here.
“Things have not quite settled down,” Jackson said recently. “That probably won’t happen until after minicamp. It’s still a new team. I have to learn a new offense, new coaches, new people and how things work within a new organization. But so far, so good.”
The decision to leave St. Louis was difficult for Jackson, who voided the final year of his contract with the Rams in order to become a free agent.
The Falcons have big plans for Jackson, who signed a three-year, $12 million deal ($4 million guaranteed). He received a $3.5 million signing bonus and has base salaries are $1.75 million (2013), $3 million (2014) and $3.75 million (2015).
He’s expected to assume the rushing chores of Michael Turner, who was released, and blend in his pass-catching talents into the team’s potent offense. A did Turner, he’ll split the position with Jacquizz Rodgers.
Last season, Turner handled 66.4 percent of the carries by Falcons running backs (222 of 334 carries). Rodgers had 28.4 percent (94 carries) and Jason Snelling had 5.2 percent (18 carries).
Jackson had 70.4 percent of the Rams carries (257 of 365) by a running back in 2012. If the Falcons use a similar 70-30 split of the carries, Jackson will be pleased.
“That would be fine with me,” Jackson said. “One thing that really makes me excited about the new chapter in my career is that I don’t have to shoulder such a heavy load anymore. I will still take great pride in being a three-down running back and I will not give up that trademark of mine that I’ve continued to hold onto for so long.”
Falcons coach Mike Smith and Dimitroff are quick to point out that Jackson is also a capable receiver. Last season, he caught 38 of 53 targeted passes (71 percent).
Turner caught only 19 of 30 targets (63 percent). Rodgers caught 53 of 59 (89.8 percent). When Turner was in the game, defenses did not have to concentrate on his pass-catching ability.
“I’m from an era of running backs that has pretty much died off,” Jackson said. “With that being said, a 70-30 split is fine with me. The only thing that I ask for, and will continue to ask for throughout the season, is that I need to get quality carries and touches because that is going to make the offense better.”
Also, Jackson believes splitting the duties with Rodgers may help him extend his career and allow him to possibly play out the life of his three-year deal.
“That would put me at 12 years which is phenomenal,” Jackson said. “I think not only a 70-30 possible split on the carries, but also some of these rule changes that have taken place (will prolong a career). The game is starting to become a lot safer.”
Jackson will be missed in St. Louis. He was a tireless worker in the community for various children causes, including illiteracy, health, nutrition and life skills for displaced foster children through his “The Little Bit Foundation.”
“It will be a perfect fit for me to come right in and continue to promote and educate kids on why I believe they should stay in school or why it is important that they continue their education,” Jackson said. “There are a lot of things we do, but a lot of it has to do with empowering people, especially children.”
About the Author
