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In my opinion Steven Jackson is a HOF worthy RB. Not a first ballot shoo-in among the likes of Marshall, ED, or Barry Sanders, but a HOFer nonetheless. He's had the misfortune of playing on some terrible teams and behind some terrible offenses and O-Lines. And when I say terrible I mean historically terrible. 15-65, worst 5-year stretch in league history terrible.
Despite all of these hindrances I think SJ has accomplished enough in his 11-year career to warrant strong HOF consideration.
I'm going to break this down into CONS and PROS. Cons first, because these will be the few hang ups that may keep him out in many voters minds.
CONS
That's about it. I have more stats and stories up my sleeve, but I don't want to drown yall in them. I'm interested to see who agrees, disagrees, and why.
Despite all of these hindrances I think SJ has accomplished enough in his 11-year career to warrant strong HOF consideration.
I'm going to break this down into CONS and PROS. Cons first, because these will be the few hang ups that may keep him out in many voters minds.
CONS
- Playing on a perennial loser. Has never played on a winning team. Has made the playoffs ONCE, as a rookie. A truly game-changing player would have certainly would have willed his team to the dance once or twice.
- Lack of qualitative recognition. Only 3 Pro-Bowls. No first team All Pro selections. No league rushing titles.
- Longevity and Consistency. Despite bumps and bruises including annual groin/quad injuries and a nagging herniated disc for half of 2009, SJ has never missed more than 4 games in a season. He had a stretch of 8-straight 1k yard campaigns from 2005-2012, a feat that only Emmitt Smith, Sanders, Curtis Martin, Thurman Thomas, and LT have accomplished (all HOFers). Despite never being known for being a speed/explosive back SJ has had a 40+ yard run in every season of his career.
- All-Around Back. Among the last of a dying breed. Run with power, speed, elusiveness, catches, blocks, ball security, short distance, goal line. He does it all. Not simply a one-dimensional back. Runs AND catches. Had a 90 reception season. Averages 41.5 receptions per season over his career. Has the 6th best single-season yards from scrimmage total (2,334).
- Leadership. I know this isn't a huge factor, because most, if not all HOFers are great leaders. If anything I'm just trying to point out that SJ is as great a leader as any. When he could have left for FA following 2008, when things were going downhill in STL, he didn't. He chose to see us through to better times. He wanted to be a part of the rebuilding of our franchise. 2009 was the ultimate display of leadership single-handedly willing us to our lone victory of the season @ DET and playing the final 6 games of the year with a herniated disc in his back (only missing one game). Insisted on playing for a 1-15 team, when he could have easily been placed on IR. He had an incredible influence of Sam, JL, and Long since they have come to STL and its no wonder why they are considered the leaders of the team currently. I'll never forget when SJ chewed out Saffold and the team after a false start in 2011 as the Saints mounted a second half comeback. He sent a strong message that a meltdown would not be tolerated and was not an option.
That's about it. I have more stats and stories up my sleeve, but I don't want to drown yall in them. I'm interested to see who agrees, disagrees, and why.