From UPS to UFL: Locos receiver embraces new opportunity
Kurt Warner famously worked stocking shelves at a grocery store before blossoming into a star for the St. Louis Rams.
Locomotives wide receiver A.J. Jackson hopes to follow a similar blue-collar path to the NFL.
The 25-year-old, who is married with two young sons, worked for UPS this year before reviving his football career.
“I have to provide for my family,” Jackson said. “I had no income. It was stressful. I was trying to get whatever income I could.”
Jackson was named an All-American at Division II California University of Pennsylvania in 2009. But he was cut by Las Vegas in training camp last year, when he was challenged by coach Jim Fassel to come back in better shape this season.
The 6-foot-5-inch, 235-pounder did just that, making a 74-yard touchdown catch in the Locos’ season-opening 19-6 victory over Virginia.
Las Vegas (1-0) hosts the Omaha Nighthawks (1-0) at 6 p.m. today at Sam Boyd Stadium.
“He came back as a different guy,” Fassel said of Jackson. “He’s a big, physical, talented receiver. He just needed to be in better shape.
“He can be a great player. If he concentrates, he can be in the NFL next year.”
A native of Lehigh Acres, Fla. – a suburb of Fort Myers – Jackson recently moved his family to Texas in search of a better life.
“It’s just so hard down there (in Florida). It’s hard to bring your family up when everything around you is down,” he said. “When all of your family members and all your friends aren’t progressing, it’s hard for you to progress.
“That’s why I had to get my family away from that, so I can try to be something in life.”
After failing to qualify academically for a Division I school, Jackson went to California – 35 miles south of Pittsburgh – where he dominated his senior year, making 101 catches for 1,424 yards and 18 TDs.
Bypassed in the 2010 NFL Draft, Jackson secured a tryout for the New York Giants, but he said a hamstring injury cost him his chance to make the team.
He made his professional debut this summer with Pittsburgh of the Arena Football League and is determined not to waste another chance to prove himself in Las Vegas.
“I felt like I’ve been holding myself back, but it’s time to turn it around,” he said. “I know I can play at that next level. I just need another opportunity.
“My other motivation is having two boys at home, knowing they love their father. I’m a big, big role model for them. I’ve got to be something in life.”
Contact reporter Todd Dewey at tdewey@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0354.