Roughnecks OL Ken Shackleford Receives Workout Opportunity with Pittsburgh Steelers

July 15, 2010 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
West Texas Roughnecks News Release


MIDLAND, TX. : The West Texas Roughnecks are excited to announce on Thursday, July 15, that former Roughnecks offensive linemen Ken Shackleford has been offered a workout opportunity with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Shackleford is scheduled to leave on Thursday and hold the workout on Friday from the Steelers practice facility in Pittsburgh. Shackleford becomes the second Roughnecks offensive linemen in as many years to hold a workout with an NFL organization. Former Roughnecks offensive linemen Peter Fields held private workouts with the Atlanta Falcons and the Miami Dolphins, and spent time at mini-camp with the Green Bay Packers during the fall of 2009.

Shackleford (6'5", 325 lbs.) was signed to the Roughnecks back in December of 2009 and started in 15 games total (14 regular, one post-season) at left tackle for the Roughnecks. Shackleford was part of an offensive line that only surrendered 10 total sacks during the 2010 regular season. Shackleford helped supply protection for QB Tommy Jones who finished third in the IFL with 2,487 passing yards and finished sixth overall with 42 touchdowns passes. Shackleford was also an important factor in the Roughnecks rushing department which posted 26 total touchdowns during the 2010 regular season. Shackleford additionally spent partial time on the defensive line and posted two total tackles in five appearances. Shackleford was named one of the team captains for the West Texas Roughnecks during the mid-portion of the regular season.

"This is an exciting moment for Ken and he has worked hard to receive another opportunity to return to the NFL. He was a very important factor towards our offensive unit this past season especially during our run to the playoffs. This is a proud moment for our coaching staff and the entire West Texas Roughnecks organization." stated West Texas Roughnecks Head Coach Chris Williams.

Following his college career at Georgia, Shackleford was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. Shackleford saw significant playing time during the Rams 2007 preseason but was later waived by the Rams on August 31, 2007 due to a knee injury. Shackleford signed to a two-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs on August 9, 2008 but he was later released by the Chiefs during the 2008 preseason on August 26, 2008.

As a senior at Georgia in 2006, Shackleford started every game for the Bulldogs at split tackle and became a significant leader on the offensive line. Shackleford was part of an offensive line that only allowed 17 sacks during the 2006 season which ranked second among all programs in the SEC. Shackleford was also part of a senior class that compiled a 40-12 record, a 3-1 bowl record and a SEC Championship in 2005. Georgia finished 9-4 in 2006 and capped the year off with Chick-fil-A Bowl win. Shackleford attended Villa Rica High School (Villa Rica, Georgia) where he was named one of the Top 50 Prospects in the state as a senior. Shackleford was named to the Class-AAA All-State First Team as a senior.



Indoor Football League Stories from July 15, 2010


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