Jackson named AFL Offensive Player of the Year

Philadelphia, PA (The Phanatic Magazine) - Philadelphia Soul wide receiver Chris Jackson was named the AFL’s Offensive Player of the Year Thursday.

In his first year with the Soul, Jackson finished second in the league in receptions (140), receiving yards (1,719), total touchdowns (49), and points (294). He was tops in the AFL in first downs (111) and receiving touchdowns (49).

The award marked the first time in franchise history that a Soul player was named as Offensive Player of the Year and the second time Jackson earned the honor. The Bristol native also won the award in 2003 as a member of the Los Angeles Avengers.

“This is a tremendous individual award,” Jackson said. “However, I couldn’t have done it without my teammates and we have a bigger goal in mind in winning the ArenaBowl and that’s where my focus is right now.”

Jackson, who was also named All-Arena First-Team for the second consecutive season and third time in his career, also put a dent in the AFL history book this season. He became the third player to score 300 career touchdowns, ending the season in second place all-time with 318, and became the third player to score 2,000 career points. He is tied for second place in all-time receptions with 991 and in sole possession of second in career yards with 13,229.

Meanwhile, Jackson's quarterback, Matt D’Orazio, who started the season as the backup to Tony Graziani, was named Player of the Year by the Arena Football Writers Association.