Steven Jackson News: Pro Sports Daily

Rams notebook: Jackson reaches milestone in defeat

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November 16

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Steven Jackson doesn't seem to be all about numbers anymore. The days are long gone when the Rams' running back made bold predictions about his yardage totals. But in a Rams franchise known for its star running backs over the years, Jackson is now No. 3 in career rushing yards. With a 7-yard run with 8 minutes, 3 seconds left in the third quarter Sunday against New Orleans, Jackson moved past Lawrence McCutcheon for the No. 3 spot. "It'd mean a little more if we got this win," Jackson said following Sunday's 28-23 loss to the Saints at the Edward Jones Dome. "But I'm a fan of 'Clutch,' and to be able to pass him, it means a lot. It says more for my offensive line and what we're doing as a ..."

Rams fans finally can appreciate Steven Jackson

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November 4

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"On Tuesday afternoon as he went rummaging through the bottom of his locker room stall to find his shoes and socks, Steven Jackson really didn't look any different from how the big Pro Bowl running back has for most of his six years as a Ram: same long, flowing dreadlocks, same toothy smile, same oversized middle linebacker's body that has been tenderizing defenses on a weekly basis since he became this team's go-to offensive weapon. But there was something different. At long last, Steven Jackson seems to be accepted. "I think (the public) has had a chance to get to know me and I have had a chance to get to know them," Jackson said. "Some of the things I may say now might not take them ..."

Jackson, Brown are stars for Rams

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November 2

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Steven Jackson's rushing heroics and kicker Josh Brown's touchdown pass were the attention grabbers in the Rams' 17-10 victory Sunday over Detroit, and rightfully so. Jackson's 25-yard touchdown run snapped a 10-10 tie in the fourth quarter, and Brown's 36-yard TD pass to Daniel Fells on a fake field goal in the second quarter accounted for the Rams' only other touchdown. But the Rams' defense did its part, limiting the Lions and play-caller Scott Linehan to 10 points and 289 yards offense. Both were the second-lowest totals yielded in those categories by the Rams this season. Linehan, the Lions' offensive coordinator and former Rams head coach, kept the visiting team off-balance early ..."

Steven Jackson carries Rams to a 'W'

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November 2

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"After driving the defensive lineman in front of him to the ground, Rams center Jason Brown sneaked a peek downfield. And then he let out a whoop. "You look up and you see No. 39 getting smaller and smaller," Brown said, "and you say, 'Thank you ... thank you so much.'" The sight of running back Steven Jackson steaming toward the end zone in the final moments Sunday was a welcome - and long overdue - sight for the Rams. The last time they had walked off a field celebrating a win, Barack Obama was still the junior senator from Illinois. Jackson shed at least three would-be tacklers on his 25-yard burst off right tackle with 1 minute, 38 seconds remaining that gave him his first touchdown of ..."

St. Louis Rams' Steven Jackson is frustrated

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October 16

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Roughly one-third of the way through the season, Steven Jackson ranks fourth in the NFL in rushing (451 yards) and is on pace for 1,443 yards over a 16-game season. But Jackson isn't happy about his start in 2009. "It's been a rough one in my opinion," Jackson said. "I've yet to reach the end zone. I have two fumbles on the year. ... So although I've been racking up yards, I've yet to lead this team to victory. And those kinds of mistakes that I've had in the last five games won't help." Since becoming a starter in 2005, Jackson had not gone more than three consecutive games without scoring a touchdown until now. Even as a rookie backing up Marshall Faulk in 2004, his longest TD drought ..."

Jaguars focus on Rams RB Steven Jackson

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October 16

Jacksonville Times-Union

"Give Jacksonville's beleaguered defense just a little credit. At least it can slow down the run. Through five games, the Jaguars have allowed 538 yards rushing (3.8-yard average) and three touchdowns. Ranked No. 18, the rush defense isn't brick-wall stout, but it's sufficient. Whether it holds up against St. Louis running back Steven Jackson will likely determine Jacksonville's success when it hosts the winless Rams (0-5) at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium on Sunday. "He's playing great. He's in great shape, and he's a guy we try to get the ball to," Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo said. The Jaguars are aware of that. But most indications are that stopping him won't be easy. "A lot of what they ..."

St. Louis Rams' Jackson's leadership touches Spagnuolo

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October 2

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Even with an 0-3 start, Steven Jackson ranks fifth in the NFL in rushing yards (288) and fifth in yards from scrimmage (349). But coach Steve Spagnuolo is just as impressed with what he has seen from the Rams running back from a leadership standpoint. "I've seen nothing but great things," Spagnuolo said. "I'm going to tell you what, his greatness in that regard - in the leadership regard - is shining right now when it's not the best of times and the results haven't been what we want. ... There was something that he did that just meant the world to me, and I appreciate him and how he is going about things right now." Despite some prodding by the media, Spagnuolo wouldn't elaborate. It was ..."

St. Louis Rams' offense is a perfect fit for Steven Jackson

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September 9

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"There certainly were question marks. But Pat Shurmur knew when he accepted Steve Spagnuolo's invitation to become the Rams' new offensive coordinator that the key elements for the scheme he wanted to run already were in place. Sure, Shurmur would have to reconstruct a much-abused offensive line, and assemble a cache of sure-handed wide receivers and tight ends. But he felt that quarterback Marc Bulger and running back Steven Jackson provided a solid foundation around which to build. "Marc is very precise, an extremely accurate quarterback - attributes that are very fundamental to being successful," Shurmur said. And Jackson, Shurmur added, "is such a magnificent player, it's silly not to ..."

Forgotten man? Jackson 'as good as anybody in the league'

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August 27

USA Today

columnist Jim Corbett

"St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson is helping design his dream house on a cliff overlooking downtown Las Vegas.A student of architecture but not yet licensed, Jackson offers suggestions to an architect commissioned to implement his vision. "I've thrown some ideas in there," he said. "It's a split-level home in the mountain side." The inspiration? "The Pentagon," Jackson said. "With the hole in the middle for a courtyard that (shape) allows for a 360-degree view. "I want to take advantage of where I'm at." The aspiring architect could easily be referring to an offseason spent rebuilding his body. After missing four games each of the last two seasons to leg injuries, the 26-year-old ..."

St. Louis Rams' Jackson adjusts to new coach's tough camp

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August 6

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Chris Chamberlain diagnosed the screen play quickly from his weakside linebacker spot, knifed through traffic and dropped the ballcarrier with a brutal shot around knee level. It was one hellacious hit. It just so happened that the ballcarrier was Steven Jackson. You know, the guy who's supposed to be the centerpiece of the Rams' offense. You know, the player many observers consider the only "difference maker" on the roster. In those first moments after contact, it looked as if coach Steve Spagnuolo stopped breathing. A blown-out knee can wreck a season just as much as a lengthy training- camp holdout. But Jackson was fine, getting up without injury or noticeable complaint, and heading ..."

Steven Jackson likes atmosphere

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August 1

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Wandering through a darkened Rams Park a few nights ago, coach Steve Spagnuolo discovered someone on a treadmill in the trainers' room. It was Steven Jackson, his star running back, getting in some pre-camp conditioning. "I tried to come in late, and I didn't expect anyone to be here," Jackson said. "But Coach caught me." A year ago, Jackson was nowhere to be found when training camp opened. In fact, he went 0 for Mequon, Wis., holding out for 27 days before getting a new contract. He finally showed up at Rams Park on Aug. 21. This year, he was on site early. No big deal, Jackson insisted. "I'd been on the West Coast for four or five weeks, and I wanted to get acclimated to the climate ..."

'Lay the foundation'

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March 17

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Nearly two months into his new job, coach Steve Spagnuolo finally addressed the entire squad Monday as the Rams began their offseason conditioning program. "It feels like the job I signed up to take," Spagnuolo said, smiling. "You finally have a team in there. It was great, and everybody was there. I try not to make the meetings real long, so I just hit them with some things we needed to go forward - bang, bang, bang. I think they appreciated that." The only player missing Monday was running back Steven Jackson. "I talked to Steven Jackson last night; he was all set to come," Spagnuolo said. "He's dealing with some family things in Las Vegas, and I told him to stay and take care of that. ..."

Bruce offers Jackson support

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December 22

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Isaac Bruce and Steven Jackson were teammates for a modest four seasons in St. Louis. But Bruce greeted Jackson with a postgame hug and some strong words of encouragement after San Francisco's 17-16 victory over the Rams. "Steven's my guy," Bruce said. "I've known him since he first came in as a rookie, and he's done some great things on the field. I just let him know that he is the leader of this organization right now. "He's the face of the franchise and he's going to have to continue to do what he does, as far as running that football hard. And things will get better for him. "They'll start rebuilding, and building that line so he can do his thing. He's a great running back. A very ..."

St. Louis Rams' Steven Jackson has two costly fumbles

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December 8

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Late Sunday evening in Henderson, Nev., Steve Jackson received his weekly phone call from his son. Rams running back Steven Jackson knew what he'd hear even before he dialed the number. "He'll tell me to keep my head up, but make sure that I take care of the ball," he said. "That's what a running back has to do." Fumbling is a rare offense by Jackson, but he lost two in the third quarter Sunday that contributed to Arizona's NFC West-clinching 34-10 victory. Trailing 20-7, the Rams were driving to make it a one-score deficit when Jackson coughed up the ball, with linebacker Karlos Dansby recovering at the Cardinals' 22-yard line. On the Rams' next series, defensive tackle Darnell Dockett ..."

St. Louis Rams Steven Jackson says he has no problem with coach Jim Haslett

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December 5

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The health and well-being of Steven Jackson's right thigh has been a topic of discussion since the original injury occurred Oct. 19 against Dallas. But following a mini-controversy after the Miami game, coach Jim Haslett is taking a new approach with Jackson's medical updates. "I'm going to defer everything to Steven," Haslett said tongue-in-cheek, following Thursday's practice at Rams Park. On Sunday, Jackson took offense to Haslett's suggestion that he was "gassed" at the end of the Dolphins game. "No, I wasn't gassed. ... I wish he would stop saying that," Jackson said at the time. But there is no rift, no ill-will between the two. Haslett seems to be relatively thick-skinned on such ..."

Steven Jackson rushes for 94 yards in return

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December 1

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"As the Rams tried to rally past the Miami Dolphins in the fourth quarter Sunday, running back Steven Jackson had a great view of the action. From the sideline. In his first extended action since straining a thigh muscle six weeks ago, Jackson got plenty of work in the first three periods: 20 carries for 93 yards, plus one catch for 16 yards. But Jackson's final "touch" - a 1-yard run - came with 14 minutes, 4 seconds remaining in the Dolphins' 16-12 victory at the Edward Jones Dome. After that series, Jackson's day was over. Antonio Pittman and Kenneth Darby took the rest of the snaps at running back. According to coach Jim Haslett, Jackson "was gassed, and his leg started to bother him." ..."

Steven Jackson ruled out for Sunday's game

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November 18

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Running back Steven Jackson's strained thigh muscle - originally believed to be a one- or two-day injury - is lingering into a sixth week. Jackson already has been ruled out for Sunday's home game against the Chicago Bears. "He had a second opinion, and the doctor kind of told him the same thing we were telling him, that it's a strain with a little bit of blood in it and it's going to take some time to heal," coach Jim Haslett said Monday. "They feel that he should be out this week, rest him, and then see what happens next week." Jackson was hurt in the fourth quarter Oct. 19 against Dallas. He tried to come back two weeks later vs. Arizona but instead reaggravated the leg. He hasn't ..."

St. Louis Rams’ Steven Jackson won’t make trip; to see specialist

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November 14

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"When the Rams’ flight to San Francisco leaves this afternoon, Steven Jackson won’t be on it. Jackson, who sat out practice again Friday, is scheduled to see a specialist here in an attempt to learn why his strained thigh muscle, suffered Oct. 19 vs. Dallas, isn’t responding to treatment. Antonio Pittman will start at running back Sunday vs. the 49ers, with Kenneth Darby and Travis Minor also expected to get some work in the backfield."

No action from Jackson in practice

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November 13

Belleville News-Democrat

"Running back Steven Jackson didn’t practice on Thursday after waking up with stiffness and swelling in his injured quad muscle. “Today waking up this morning it kind of took a step backwards,’’ Jackson said. “We’ll see what a day off will do.’’ Rams coach Jim Haslett said it was looking unlikely that Jackson would be able to play this Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. “He’s going to have to run before he can play,’’ Haslett said. “I doubt if we will have him, to be honest with you, but we’ll see. You never know.’’ Jackson took part in about 40 percent of the plays with the Rams’ starting offense on Wednesday. Jackson said he thought he was close to returning after taking part in ..."

St. Louis Rams Steven Jackson will not play Sunday

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November 8

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"It became official at 10:30 Friday morning, when the Rams took the practice field and Steven Jackson wasn't among them. At that point, Kenneth Darby knew that he was about to start his first game in the NFL. "It's a blessing," said Darby, who was signed off Atlanta's practice squad Oct. 14. "This is an opportunity I've been waiting on, and I'm just going to take full advantage of it and do my best." The 5-foot-10, 211-pound Darby, a second-year pro from the University of Alabama, is expected to get the bulk of the work at running back Sunday, when the Rams (2-6) meet the New York Jets (5-3) in East Rutherford, N.J. Samkon Gado, signed off the street just this past Tuesday, also will get ..."

Jackson may not play

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October 25

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The sight of running back Steven Jackson in uniform and on the practice field Friday was encouraging for the Rams, but coach Jim Haslett estimated Jackson's chances of playing Sunday at New England at "probably 50-50." "It'll be a game-day decision," Haslett explained. "He took limited reps. He doesn't need a lot of reps, because he knows everything." Jackson strained a muscle in his right thigh late in the Rams' 34-14 victory over Dallas last Sunday. Still, he rushed for 160 yards, scored three touchdowns, and was named the NFC offensive player of the week. He had not suited up for practice until Friday, when he did individual drills and took a few snaps in the 11-on-11 team periods. On ..."

Haslett: Jackson is 50-50 for Sunday’s game

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October 24

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Coach Jim Haslett said after practice Friday that running back Steven Jackson’s availability for the Rams game at New England won’t be determined until Sunday. Jackson, who strained his right thigh last Sunday against Dallas, suited up and practiced for the first time this week. He did individual work and took a handful of snaps during the 11-on-11 “team” segments, but wasn’t running at full speed. “It’ll be a game-day decision,” Haslett said. “He doesn’t need a lot of reps because he knows everything.” Asked whether he felt optimistic about Jackson playing, Haslett said, “I don’t know, to be honest with you. I think it’s probably 50-50.”"

Jackson is iffy for Sunday's game

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October 23

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"On the one hand, running back Steven Jackson said his right thigh injury is headed in the "right direction." After a light indoor workout Wednesday, he said the thigh felt good. But he declined to put a percentage on how healthy it is, and didn't say that he was definitely playing Sunday against New England. Jackson's most direct answer on the subject probably came in comments to New England reporters on a conference call. "The leg feels good," Jackson said. "We're not quite sure, we're still going to see what's going to happen for Sunday. But I was able to do some rehab work with our weight coach, do some light lifting, and some light pool work." All of that work apparently took place ..."

Jackson injured, not out

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October 21

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"What if the Rams must go into Foxborough without running back Steven Jackson? "We've got T. Minor," guard Richie Incognito replied. (Pause) "And T. Minor." Nothing against Travis Minor, but coach Jim Haslett is hoping it doesn't come to that Sunday against the New England Patriots. At least the medical news was somewhat encouraging Monday on Jackson, who suffered a right thigh injury midway through the fourth quarter of the Rams' 34-14 victory over Dallas. "Steven Jackson had an MRI today on his quad, and it was a slight strain," Haslett announced at his regular Monday news conference. "He'll be limited this week, but he should be fine for the game." Haslett did a double take when asked ..."

Jackson hurts thigh, could miss next game

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October 20

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The Rams' startling 34-14 victory Sunday over Dallas came at a cost. Running back Steven Jackson left midway through the fourth quarter with a thigh injury that leaves his status uncertain for this coming week's game at New England. "We think it's just a bruise," Jackson said afterward. "We're going to get some more tests, an MRI in the morning, just to make sure. But it's just a little tight. I'm able to walk, and I'm able to bend it. So that's a good sign." But Jackson was walking with a limp after the game, and there was some concern in the locker room that the injury could sideline Jackson for a week or two. The Rams are about as thin as can be at running back, with Brian Leonard out ..."

Muzzling Rams’ Jackson key to turnaround

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September 29

Buffalo News

"The popular theory is if you stop running back Steven Jackson, chances are you will stop the St. Louis Rams’ offense. After a rough first half, the Bills managed to slow down Jackson, which in turn slowed down the Rams’ offense. That ultimately proved to be the difference in Buffalo’s 31-14 victory. “He’s the key to the whole machine that is the St. Louis offense,” Bills middle linebacker Paul Posluszny said of Jackson. “If you let him get loose on you, he can be a real handful.” The Bills certainly had their hands full trying to slow down Jackson early on. Buffalo had not allowed any of its first three opponents to rush for more than 100 yards. But the Rams had 148 by halftime. Jackson ..."

Jackson blasts QB benching

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September 26

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The vibe in the Rams locker room Wednesday and Thursday was that several Rams players weren't happy about the benching of Marc Bulger. But no one would say so publicly. Well, outspoken running back Steven Jackson took care of that Thursday night on his "Rolling the Dice" radio show on KLOU (103.3 FM). Jackson said benching Bulger was the "wrong decision." "He's our general," said Jackson, who then pointed out that you don't pay someone "$60-something million" and then sit him on the bench. (Bulger was signed to a $65 million contract extension prior to the 2007 season.) Although he harbors no ill will against Trent Green, who replaces Bulger in the starting lineup Sunday against Buffalo, ..."

Jackson maintains low profile

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September 22

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"It wasn't one of Steven Jackson's best performances as an NFL running back. But it wasn't bad, either. "I had a pretty nice day," said Jackson, a five-year vet. "But this is the ultimate team sport, and it wasn't good enough." Jackson's team - the 0-3 Rams - are floundering badly, and the frustration is growing as the losses accumulate. Sunday's 37-13 spanking at the hands of the NFC West-rival Seahawks left many in the hushed visitors' locker room searching for answers, if not scapegoats. "A lot can be said, but I don't want to put myself in that position," Jackson explained. "I've done it over the years, and it really hasn't done anything. We're at the point now where we don't know where ..."

Action for Jackson

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September 19

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"An older, wiser Steven Jackson is making no demands, unlike in 2005 when he angrily taped the words "Give me the ball" over his locker stall at Rams Park. But make no mistake: Jackson is itching to boost his carries total - perhaps even double them - on Sunday in Seattle. And offensive coordinator Al Saunders is eager to accommodate the 6-foot-2, 235-pound running back. "We have to get the ball to our best player, No. 39," Saunders said. "He hasn't run the ball enough, and we need to make sure that we establish our run" so that opponents can't tee off in obvious passing situations. After two lopsided losses, the Rams are last in the NFL in total offense and tied for last in scoring. Some ..."

Jackson Looks To Get Off The Ground

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September 14

New York Post

"Timing, rhythm, repetition. Every quality running back needs all three to prepare for a season. Steven Jackson had none, because he missed all of Rams training camp and the entire preseason because of a contract holdout. The results showed in last week's season opener, as Jackson (14 carries, 40 yards) was not effective against the Eagles. This is a player who has rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of the past three seasons and in 2006, the only year he played in all 16 games, he rushed for 1,528 yards and 13 touchdowns and caught 90 passes for 806 yards. "They are definitely going to try and get No. 39 in the ballgame," defensive end Justin Tuck said. The Giants in their 16-7 ..."

Jackson shows he's up to the job

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September 8

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Marc Bulger's pass settled into Steven Jackson's hands a nanosecond before head-hunting Eagles cornerback Sheldon Brown barreled in at full speed. Jackson's helmet went flying as he was leveled by Brown, much to the delight of the merciless Philly fans. Jackson, the Rams' 6-foot-2, 235-pound running back, popped up quickly, shook his dreadlocks vigorously and did his roll-the-dice victory gesture that usually is reserved to celebrate touchdowns. This was just a 24-yard gain. Still, the catch, followed by the wallop, was important to Jackson. "I know I'm able to take hits still," he said, smiling, after the Eagles beat up the Rams 38-3 Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field. The regular-season ..."

Steven Jackson: Ready for action

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September 7

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"On the night he ended his holdout, Steven Jackson waited for his luggage at the East Terminal at Lambert Airport. He talked to a reporter about how happy he was to have his contract situation behind him. Then, after a pause, he added, "Now I've got to do it, huh?" Exactly. With big contracts come big expectations in the NFL. Jackson knows this better than most now that he has signed a six-year, $44 million extension. Already a lightning rod for St. Louis football fans because of his outspoken ways, Jackson also knows his 27-day holdout didn't endear him to many Rams fans. "We all love each other around here," Jackson joked to Philadelphia reporters during a conference call earlier in the ..."

Jackson deal could be cut short

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August 29

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"In order for Steven Jackson to reach escalators that would void the final two years of his contract, he needs to put together four very solid seasons for the Rams. According to league sources, Jackson needs to average 1,200 yards rushing and 400 yards receiving over the first four years of his new contract - from 2008 through 2011 - to void the final two years of his six-year deal. Interestingly, during his three seasons as a starter in St. Louis (2005-07) Jackson has averaged 1,199 yards rushing and 466 yards receiving. If Jackson reaches the 1,200-400 average, his base salary will increase, or "escalate," $3 million in both 2012 and 2013, the final two years of his contract. But if he ..."

Jackson seeks peace with fans

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August 22

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Steven Jackson has fresh legs and a fresh contract. Now, he wants a fresh start - with Rams fans in St. Louis. "I do understand everyone has their own opinion," Jackson said Thursday. "But I think if I can continue to play in the manner that I have in the (previous) four years, and stay healthy on the field, I think all will be forgiven. "A lot of time, we're hard on our loved ones, and I consider my fans my loved ones. So some things I should take back. And I do apologize for my statements for being a little critical of them." Then, he added with a laugh, "But I do want them to be in the (stands), too." Last year, Jackson criticized Rams fans for selling their tickets to Green Bay and ..."

Jackson gets 6-year deal

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August 21

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"His 27-day holdout over, it was back to work today for Rams running back Steven Jackson. He flew to St. Louis last night, and he was in uniform, on the practice field and working out with the Rams this morning. Jackson signed a six-year deal that will max out at just under $44 million, but the final two years will void out based on Jackson's performance. If that's the case, the four-year deal will be worth just under $30 million. The deal includes just over $20 million in guaranteed money, $11 million of which comes in the form of a signing bonus. Coach Scott Linehan said after today's practice that Jackson will be in uniform but will not play in Saturday's home exhibition game against ..."

Rams' Jackson reports for duty

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August 21

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"His 27-day holdout over, it's back to work for Pro Bowl running back Steven Jackson. By the time Jackson arrived in St. Louis late Wednesday night, his contract extension was all but a done deal. "In principle, it's agreed to," Jackson said. Once a few more details are ironed out today, Jackson, said, "We'll be pretty much done." Jackson said the original stalemate was a matter of "just philosophy." He added, "We just had two different ways - how we were thinking, where we wanted to go on a contract. And the Rams, the way they were thinking. Their philosophy. That's where it came to a standstill." Once talks broke off on July 25, the first day of training camp at Concordia University ..."

Jackson to end holdout

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August 20

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Rams running back Steven Jackson is ending his holdout and will be flying into St. Louis from Las Vegas this evening. While a contract has not yet been reached, Jackson is expected to undergo a physical Thursday. If he passes the physical, Jackson should be on the practice field later Thursday. Sources on both sides of the contract negotiations are confident a deal will be reached soon. The Rams had repeatedly said they would not negotiate the deal until Jackson reported to camp. Wednesday was the 27th day he had missed since his holdout began. His total fines are $408,132 at a $15,116 per day clip. Jackson surprised the team by not making the trip to Wisconsin for training camp."

Holdout reaches 24 days

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August 18

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Despite rumblings over the weekend that there might be some movement on the Steven Jackson front, sources familiar with the negotiations - or lack thereof - say there was no dialogue between the Rams and Jackson's agent save for a brief phone call Friday between the parties. So the holdout continues. As of Sunday, the Pro Bowl running back had missed 24 days of training camp and the preseason, 24 practices and two preseason games. At $15,116 per day, his fine total stands at $362,784 - or just under the minimum base salary for a second-year NFL player. For the first time, Rams coach Scott Linehan conceded Sunday that time is of the essence in getting Jackson ready for the season opener ..."

It's past time to get Jackson in Rams camp

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August 12

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

columnist Bryan Burwell

"Because Brett Favre is already taken, Manny Ramirez is busy cavorting in Hollywood, and well, Michael Phelps is a little preoccupied right now with that Olympic thing, the Rams are left with very few options in their quest to become a viable entertainment-sports property in this city again. The Rams need star quality in the worst way. They need someone to ignite a spark, to make you want to care about them, talk about them, to get an entire city fired up about them again. What they need is Steven Jackson. I saw that first preseason game against the Tennessee Titans, and it didn't take me long to see how bad the Rams looked without the big man in their offensive backfield. It just ..."

With no Jackson, backups see action

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August 10

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Life without Steven began in earnest Saturday night for the Rams, and it wasn't pleasant. The Tennessee Titans cruised to a 34-13 victory at LP Field. After the Rams' first-team offense failed again to score a touchdown in a preseason game - the last time it did so was in 2005, when Mike Martz still was the head coach - the front office might want to consider sweetening its offer to its No. 1 running back, who is holding out for a contract extension. That probably won't happen though, because the Rams and Jackson's agent, Eugene Parker, have had no contact since training camp began July 24. It was on that day that Jackson surprised coach Scott Linehan by informing him that he wouldn't be ..."

Key day for Jackson comes, goes

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August 6

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The Rams arrived in a different city Tuesday, but with the same roster. In other words, holdout running back Steven Jackson remained a no-show. After a morning practice at Concordia University Wisconsin, the team left Milwaukee late Tuesday afternoon by charter jet for Nashville, where the Rams are holding joint practice sessions with the Tennessee Titans over the next couple of days leading up to Saturday's exhibition opener. According to a team official reached Tuesday night, Jackson remained a no-show. As a result, Jackson's 2008 season will not count as an "accrued" year in terms of eligibility for free agency. Players under contract must report at least 30 days before the overall NFL ..."

Jackson isn't expected despite deadline looming

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August 5

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Barring what would be a totally unexpected appearance by Steven Jackson today at Rams training camp, the running back's continuing holdout will cost him a year of NFL seniority toward free agency. Under a league rule, players under contract must report at least 30 days before the first regular season game or lose what's called an accrued season of seniority. The Post-Dispatch originally reported last week that the deadline for Jackson to report would be Aug. 8 - this Friday - or 30 days before the Rams' season opener at Philadelphia, on Sept. 7. But after further checking with the NFL office, the deadline to report is 30 days before the overall start of the NFL season. Because the ..."

In Jackson talks, silence is golden

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July 29

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

columnist Bryan Burwell

"Outside the gates of Concordia University, there may be fear and loathing as the Steven Jackson holdout reached Day 4, but inside the inner sanctum of the Rams' summer training compound, there is a surprising calm among the players and coaches. "As long as he's here for Game 1, it's cool," said center Richie Incognito, whose words seem to echo the sentiment of all the players. Things are so quiet on the Jackson front that it's downright spooky. No one is agitated. No one is sweating. No one is freaking out. If this keeps up, this could go down as the most polite and least contentious holdout in Rams history. The only thing that has topped the surprisingly cordial manner of team president ..."

What does he want?

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July 29

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Running back Steven Jackson is $60,000 poorer after missing his fourth day of training camp Monday. And multiple sources have told the Post-Dispatch that there has been no dialogue whatsoever since talks broke off Friday afternoon. But a little-known provision in the collective bargaining agreement could be a huge detriment to a prolonged holdout by Jackson. According to the NFL Players Association, players under contract must report at least 30 days prior to the first regular-season game or else they lose an accrued season of seniority. The Rams open the regular season Sept. 7 in Philadelphia, so Jackson must report by Aug. 8 - a week from Friday - or else the 2008 season will not count ..."

Jackson officially a holdout

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July 26

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"There was no public war of words. And no overt signs of ill will. But the Rams were surprised to learn early Friday afternoon that running back Steven Jackson would not be present for the team's opening practice of training camp because of contract impasse. "Obviously, Steven is not only an outstanding player, he's an outstanding person," said Jay Zygmunt, the Rams' president of football operations-general manager. "We would like to really get this thing resolved. We'd like Steven to be here. We'd like him to be here for a long time. Hopefully, this thing will get itself worked out relatively shortly." But behind the conciliatory talk, Zygmunt drew his line in the turf minutes after the ..."

Jackson becomes official Rams holdout

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July 25

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The Rams held their initial team meeting of training camp this morning without two key members of their offense -- Pro Bowl running back Steven Jackson and wide receiver Donnie Avery. That makes Jackson, who is entering the final year of his original NFL contract, officially a holdout. But team officials held discussions late into the night Thursday on a contract extension with Jackson's agent, Eugene Parker, and the hope is that Jackson will be on hand at Concordia University Wisconsin sooner rather than later. The Rams also worked into the wee hours Thursday night and Friday morning on a deal for Avery, a second-round draft pick in April and the first wide receiver taken in the ..."

Why shouldn't Jackson use his leverage?

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July 25

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

columnist Bryan Burwell

"There aren't that many perfect days in the life of a pro football coach, but this was as close as it could get for Scott Linehan. He had spent the past year suffering through the gawdawful nightmare of a 3-13 season, and waited seven exasperating months for the opportunity to purge any memory of 2007 from his coaching. But here he was late Thursday afternoon with an easy smile on his face. That misery had been exchanged, at least momentarily, with the liberating feeling of a fresh new start to a football season. "I've been waiting for this day since the last game of the season," Linehan said shortly after he and his Rams arrived at Concordia University on the eve of summer training camp. ..."

Team talking with Jackson

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July 25

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Among the four players not accompanying the Rams on their charter flight here was running back Steven Jackson. That development raised some eyebrows, because Jackson is entering the final season of his original four-year contract and is seeking an extension. Coach Scott Linehan explained that Jackson was given permission to travel independently, as were fellow veterans Anthony Becht and Dante Hall. Plus, Linehan reported, talks have begun with Jackson's recently hired agent, Eugene Parker, on a new deal. In fact, a team official confirmed that the two sides were in discussions late Thursday night. "That has been a priority," Linehan said. "I know within the last couple of days there has ..."