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AFL I Arena Football League (1987-2008)

Q & A with Chris Jackson

April 9, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release


Now in his fourth season, Los Angeles OS CHRIS JACKSON (6-2, 204, Washington State) has been an integral part of the team's division leading 8-2 record. Jackson has scored at least one touchdown in every AFL game he has played (43 games, 95 touchdowns). This season, Jackson is among the League leaders in receptions (77), receiving touchdowns (28) and remains the Avengers' all-time leading receiver (315 receptions for 4,369 yards) and scorer (590 points). Jackson will put his skills to the test against the Arizona Rattlers this Sunday (NBC, 3 p.m., ET).

Q: What elements are necessary for the Avengers heading toward the playoffs?

A: More consistency in all three phases of the game. Last year, we were consistent offensively and we were good on special teams, but we had big let downs defensively. Health played a big part in our defensive struggles last year. We're finally healthy and our defensive is coming to play every game and has been playing a lot more physical. We're staying consistent on offense and special teams.

Q: How would you describe your chemistry with QB TONY GRAZIANI?

A: It's a real nice relationship we have. If you go back two years ago to when Tony and I first started playing together in a game against Arizona, he was still learning the game and I was still young in my career. It's nice to see us build that relationship over the years. We've worked hard in the off season and during the year, and I think that shows with our performance.

Q: How important is the quarterback-wide receiver relationship on and off the field?

A: It's big. If you look at all the quarterback-wide receiver tandems, they 're always close. You have to know what each other is thinking at all times. You can't just get that done in practice time. Off the field – whether you're talking in the locker room or over the phone – those things happen over time. It's a relationship that you have to have on and off the field.

Q: What has been your inspiration/motivation for playing football all these years?

A: First and foremost is God. Without the ability that I was given I wouldn 't be out here. A lot of it also has to do with family. I have a family to support so this is a job to me. I go out there and treat it very seriously. I have the support of my wife and my family. That is my time to go out there and show what I can do.

Q: To date, what is the most memorable moment in your AFL career?

A: I would have to go back to my rookie season when I really didn't give the AFL a fair shot. I was real big on the NFL and I wasn't taking Arena Football too seriously. The more my rookie season went on the more I realized that the competition was good. I strived to work harder. It was nice to see that work pay off. Receiving the "Rookie of the Year" award was great, so to top a personal accolade like that, we would have to win the ArenaBowl.

Q: What team and player is the toughest you have faced in your AFL career?

A: I would definitely have to go with San Jose and DS/KR CLEVAN THOMAS. They have always been a team that we have struggled with. It was big that we beat them earlier in the year. Personally, I have a lot of respect for Clevan because he was able to pick up the game so quickly and he is so physical on defense. He's having another big year, so I definitely look forward to going against him – the best versus the best. May the best man win.

Q: Growing up, which football player did you pretend to be?

A: I was born in Pennsylvania, so I was always a big RANDALL CUNNINGHAM fan. When RON JAWORSKI was at the end of his career, and they brought in Randall, he brought a totally different aspect to the game. He brought athleticism to the quarterback position and really paved the way for a lot of quarterbacks – especially black quarterbacks in the NFL now. He's someone I always looked up to as an athlete.

Q: What would be your football highlight?

A: Very similar to the season I'm having now. Personally, I'm having a good season. Team wise, we're having a great season. We're on our way to sewing up a playoff spot, so if we continue to play the way we're playing, we can get a bye week, home-field advantage throughout the playoffs and win the championship right here at home. That would be the epitome of what we're striving to do here.

Q: Do you have any superstitions or pre-game rituals?

A: I don't really. GREG HOPKINS brought one – he, Graziani, and myself, go out before the game and run a whole route tree. Graziani throws and I usually catch from the back-up quarterback, just to loosen up a little bit. At home games, we have Bible study. That gets me spiritually motivated to play and I make sure I'm playing for the right reasons, not selfish ones. That calms me down and gets my mind set right to go out and play.

CAREER RECEIVING
SEASON TEAM GP NO YDS AVG/CATCH TD LONG AVG/G
2000 Los Angeles 14 91 1,325 14.6 26 40 94.6
2001 Los Angeles 9 62 725 11.7 13 35 80.6
2002 Los Angeles 10 85 1,205 14.2 28 49 120.5
2003 Los Angeles 10 77 1114 14.5 28 45 111.4
CAREER TOTALS 43 315 4,369 13.8 95 169 101.8



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 9, 2003


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.


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