When Marv Levy was at the helm, he made it a priority to bring not only physical talent to this team, but also players of character. One running back Levy discovered has both.

Just three years ago Fred Jackson was working a nine-to-five job counseling kids. “It was something I always wanted to do. It's a long road and hard road to get there,” Jackson said.

Jackson doesn't take one minute on this field for granted. His trip to the NFL wasn't paved by a big school and million dollar offers. A late bloomer, Jackson went to a Division 3 school, graduated with a degree in sociology and went to work like so many of us.

Having two smaller sisters helped him decided to choose counseling kids as a career. He worked in a day care handling 2-year-olds before graduating.

“My first job out of college I went to work with four kids who were mentally disabled. We taught them how to do laundry, balance a check book and go out and buy groceries,” said Jackson.

While he stayed committed to helping others, Jackson never gave up on his love of the game continuing practicing at his college gym. His break came when someone that mattered saw him working out.

Marv Levy, a Coe College alumni, spotted Jackson's raw talent and drive. Jackson said, “When he came back to Buffalo he gave me a work out and liked what he saw sent me to NFL Europe and the rest is history.”

Jackson signed with the Bills two years ago and now uses his counseling skills on and off the field. “Marshawn is the biggest kid I know, it helps me deal with him.”

He calls teammates in the off season and is a friend to many serving as a reminder that opportunities are fragile and often fleeting.
 
“I tell the guys all the time this is the biggest blessing playing in the NFL is the biggest blessing I know I had nine-to-five before I got here. It keeps me humble and lets me know where I came from what I am today and it helps me appreciate it a little more,” Jackson said.