Arizona Rattlers Sign WR Chris Jackson
July 8, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Arizona Rattlers News Release
MESA, Ariz. - The Arizona Rattlers signed former AFL Rookie of the Year and two-time Offensive Player of the Year WR CHRIS JACKSON (July 8), bolstering the squad's receiving corps.
Jackson has spent nine years in the Arena Football League, making considerable contributions to the Los Angeles Avengers, Grand Rapids Rampage, Georgia Force and the Philadelphia Soul.
Jackson's most notable tenure came with the Avengers (2000-2004), where he garnered AFL Rookie of the Year honors in 2000 after recording 1,325 receiving yards, 91 receptions and 26 touchdowns. In 2003, he recorded 117 catches, 1,737 yards and 46 touchdowns and was named the AFL Offensive Player of the Year - the first player in League history to win both accolades.
"This is something we have been preparing for in case the NFL lockout ends and WR ROD WINDSOR has to depart," said GM/HEAD COACH KEVIN GUY. "As an organization, we are looking at all avenues to pursue an Arena Bowl Championship. Chris has been sought after by other AFL teams, but this situation suits him well as he is already living in the Phoenix area - it's a win-win situation for both Chris and the Rattlers."
In Jackson's nine seasons in the AFL, he has collected 991 catches for 13,229 receiving yards and 318 touchdowns, recording eight seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards. His touchdown total ranks him second all-time in the league, and his receptions and receiving-yard marks rank him as third all-time in both categories. He won an Arena Bowl XX championship in 2008 with the Soul, where he was granted his second Offensive Player of the Year award.
"I feel privileged to come in at a time where this team has already done a phenomenal job thus far in the season," said Jackson. "Being a resident of Arizona, I decided I would give it a go and help out wherever needed. It's a storied franchise and it's good to finally be a part of it. I like that I have an opportunity to pursue another championship."
Jackson had stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans, Green Bay Packers and the Miami Dolphins of the NFL. In 2009, Jackson spent time with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League.
After transferring from Orange Coast College, Jackson attended Washington State University where he snared 54 receptions for 1,005 yards and 11 touchdowns in his senior season, helping his team reach the Rose Bowl.
Arena Football League Stories from July 8, 2011
- Philadelphia tops Cleveland on NFL network, 49-21 - Cleveland Gladiators
- Philly Holds Cleveland to 21 Points on Record-Setting Night - Philadelphia Soul
- Mustangs Dominate Voodoo, 76-55 - Milwaukee Mustangs
- Shock and Seahawks to Host Pregame Events - Spokane Shock
- Arizona Rattlers Sign WR Chris Jackson - Arizona Rattlers
- Soul Receiver Morgan Placed on Other League Exempt List - Philadelphia Soul
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
