The Los Angeles Rams have had a storied history. Though it has not always been easy, the team has consistently put out a product that fans can be proud of.
Although much of that history has been in Los Angeles, the St. Louis years had some great bright spots, including running back Steven Jackson.
Jackson was selected by the Rams in 2004 with the 24th pick in the NFL Draft out if Oregon State. He spent the next nine years with the Rams and became the franchise leader in rushing yards with more than 10,000 yards.
The team recently signed Jackson to a one-day contract to allow him to retire as a member of the Rams. He came out to the practice field to take one more snap before hanging it up for good.
The Rams shared video of Jackson and an excited Rams squad via their Twitter page:
One last time. @sj39's still got it. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/6CE20nFGyi
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) July 30, 2019
In the video, it seems that current Rams great Todd Gurley is one of the first to greet the former Rams star after his run into the endzone. Gurley was drafted only three years after the Jackson moved on, and has picked up right where he left off.
Jackson finally left the Rams in 2013 to join the Atlanta Falcons and showed signs of age in his 10th season. He spent one more year in Atlanta before joining the New England Patriots to finish out his career.
Jackson shared his own thoughts via his Twitter, thanking the team for the opportunity:
I'm not dreaming. Yeah, that really happen yesterday. Thank you again, everyone, for the love and support. Go @RamsNFL
— Steven Jackson (@sj39) July 30, 2019
Although Jackson’s legacy as an all-time great could never be questioned, Gurley is making a strong case for the Rams greatest running back of all time. As of now, it appears Gurley is on pace to beat Jackson’s Rams rushing record.
Through his first four seasons, Jackson put up 4,249 rushing yards, more than 300 less than Gurley. Gurley also has 16 more touchdowns that Jackson had at the same point in his career.
Of course, Gurley’s health will likely remain a question for the rest time with the Rams. Jackson was consistently on the field, appearing in at least 15 games seven of his 12 seasons.
