ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP & WXXI News) Veteran running back and respected team leader Fred Jackson has been released by the Buffalo Bills.
With nine seasons in Buffalo, the 34-year-old Jackson had been the second-longest serving active player and one of the team's most popular players among fans. The move came as a slight surprise, though Jackson's tenure was in question because of his age and the team's moves to restock its running backs this offseason.
The Bills acquired LeSean McCoy in a trade with Philadelphia to take over the No. 1 spot, and also selected hard-hitting rusher Karlos Williams in the draft. Buffalo's depth chart at running back also includes Boobie Dixon and Bryce Brown.
Jackson was one of 12 players cut on Monday, when all NFL teams had to reduce their roster to 75 players.
“Today, we had to make the difficult decision to release Fred Jackson,” said Bills GM Doug Whaley in a statement. “He had an incredible career for this organization for the past 10 years. We thank Fred for his hard work, dedication and leadership during his tenure with the Buffalo Bills. Fred has inspired the city of Buffalo in a number of ways. Fred and his family have been dedicated to this community and we can’t thank them enough for their contributions through his career.”
“Today, we had to make the difficult decision to release Fred Jackson,” said Bills GM Doug Whaley in a statement. “He had an incredible career for this organization for the past 10 years. We thank Fred for his hard work, dedication and leadership during his tenure with the Buffalo Bills. Fred has inspired the city of Buffalo in a number of ways. Fred and his family have been dedicated to this community and we can’t thank them enough for their contributions through his career.”
