Long returned in time for the 2015 season, but was released in a cost saving move by the Rams.
He signed a one year contract with the Falcons.
In 2016, Jake briefly flirted with Baltimore, but ended up in Minnesota.
He’d tear his Achilles in week 10 ending his season.
Long retired during the 2017 offseason.
NOTES:
I had been meaning to get back to Jake for a while after getting a freebee back in 2014. I think I’d been kicking the tires on him for 3 to 4 years, so it makes sense he’s the first calendar success of 2023.
These Upper Deck cards- meh- they’re okay, but they were better than the junk that was designed for the ’08 season. The Score ’09 was definitely a set need, while the Topps 2014 was the slow evolution of the product from I think 2011. The design started resembling more of a fender, but eh I’m sorta okay with that. I thought it’d be nice to get one of him in his Rams attire- even if it is St. Louis.
Ran for 1,212 yards and 12 TDs his Senior season, accumulating 3,547 total yards on the ground over his 4 years with the Tigers.
Also displayed explosive skills as a kick returner and punt returner accumulating 8 TDs.
Was selected 9th overall in the 2010 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills.
Spiller quickly ascended the depth chart, surpassing both Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch in the lineup.
Rookie season was considered a disappointment, but still managed to produce his share of highlights with a 95 yard KR TD.
It’d be in 2012, CJ really came into his own, running for a career high 1244 yards and 6 TDs on 207 carries.
He’d also catch 43 passes for 459 yards and 2 TDs including a 66 yarder.
CJ followed up 2012 with a solid ’13 outing, posting 933 yards on 202 carries.
Unfortunately injuries derailed the remainder of his career, as over the next 4 years, he’d be limited to just 7 starts in 29 contests.
After his time in Buffalo concluded, CJ hopped over to New Orleans.
He’d catch an 80 yard TD that season- Marking QB Drew Brees 400th passing TD.
Released in 2016, Spiller saw some playing time with the Seahawks and Jets that season.
In his final season with the Chiefs, Spiller was an emergency back for the team, and was literally on and off the roster multiple times throughout 2017.
After a few years off, Spiller went into coaching.
As of 2022 he’s a RB coach at his Alma Mater, Clemson.
ACCOLADES:
College Football Hall of Fame
Pro Bowl 2012
Jersey Retired #28 (Clemson)
NOTES:
While CJ’s career in the pros was limited, he had moments of absolute breathtaking electricity. The pass he caught from Drew Brees (for Brees 400th TD), sparked some laughs, embarrassment, and controversy. It came in OT against the Dallas Cowboys and was the first play from scrimmage, as OT rules end games if a team scores on the first possession.
Two late card set additions that I like here from Panini in both the 2015 Prestige set and the Rookies & Stars set (2013). I really like how the Prestige set is very minimal, although I’m not a huge fan of the transitioned edges. The focus is on the player and the name. That’s it. Pretty classy.
The Rookies & Stars set from 2013 was something I got into late. I loved the 2009 and 2010 set, but I absolutely hated the 2011 and ’12 sets. That caused me to take my time checking out this set. One of my big complaints about cards is that it doesn’t feel as though they are proud of their designs. They just don’t showcase them on the sides of the box. Spiller’s card is top notch in this set and I like the design and look as it’s pretty unique.
Harold Jackson played college ball at Jackson State from 1964-68.
Not only was a prolific WR, but also a speedy track man, setting a record 9.3 second 100 yard dash at the school.
Led the SWAC in receiving in both 1965 (46 catches for 612 yards and 11 TDs), and in 1966 (56 catches for 878 yards and 8 TDs).
12th round pick of the Los Angeles Rams in 1968.
After appearing in just 2 games his rookie season, was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Led the league in receiving yards in ’69 with 1,116.
In 1972, led the NFL in both catches (62) and yards (1,048).
Harold was traded back to the Rams in 1973 for Roman Gabriel.
On 40 catches, he had a league leading 13 TDs.
Was traded to the New England Patriots in 1978.
In 1979, posted 1,013 yards receiving and a career high 22.5 yards per reception.
Played briefly in 1982 for the Vikings, and rounded out career in ’83 with the Seahawks.
Suited up during the Players Strike in ’87 for the Patriots, but didn’t play.
Has a long and prolific coaching career at a variety of pro, semi-rpo and college levels, as a positional and head coach.
Among his pro stops were with the Patriots (85-89), New Orleans Night (1991), Bucs (1992-93), Saints (1997-99), Hartford Colonials (2011), and Sacramento Mountain Lions (2012).
In 2014, Harold served as head coach for his Alma Mater Jackson State from 2014-15.
ACCOLADES:
AP 1973
2nd Team AP 1972, ’77
Pro Bowl 1969, ’72-73, ’75, ’77
Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame
NOTES:
I’ve never had anyone personalize my cards in quotations- but okay.
Despite finishing near the top of the statistical receiving charts at the time of his career- spanning 3 eras from the 60s to the 80s, Harold has not been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Whether it’s a combination of the infamous logger jam at receiver, or the fact his stats just don’t stand out as much because it was during the dead ball era, Harold is still waiting to hear his name called.
It’s interesting, cracking down on Harold’s stats, that he has such a high yards per reception (17.9 on 579 catches), but his longest catch is just 79 yards.
Great cards- Always love the Topps 71 set. It’s classy, and it’s grown on me over the years specifically. It’s still a casual collect for me, but among Topps sets it’s one of my favorites.
REC
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
579
10,372
17.9
76
79
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
