CHICAGO – The AFL's Silver Anniversary Committee completed its countdown of the 25 Greatest Receivers in AFL History and named former Soul receiver Chris Jackson as No. 3.
Jackson set the AFL on fire as a rookie with the Los Angeles Avengers in 2000. In his debut season, he recorded nine consecutive 100-yard games and totaled 91 receptions for 1,325 yards and 26 touchdowns before being named the League’s Rookie of the Year. In 2003, he became the first player in AFL history to win both the Rookie and Offensive Player of the Year awards in a career.
In his 2005 debut with the Georgia Force, Jackson became the 11th player in AFL history to record 1,000 career points. During his three seasons with the Force, he set numerous single-season franchise records, including points (306), receptions (145), receiving yards (1,915) and receiving touchdowns (47).
When he became a free agent following the 2007 season, Jackson elected to join the Philadelphia Soul. With the Soul in 2008, Jackson set single-season franchise records for points (294), receptions (140) and receiving touchdowns (49), and was named Offensive Player of the Year for the second time in his career. He was also selected Offensive Player of the Game in ArenaBowl XXII, the only championship win of his 10-year career.
He rejoined the League in 2011 for the Arizona Rattlers playoff run. In his first game in nearly three years, Jackson recorded six catches for 78 yards and two touchdowns. His efforts propelled the Rattlers to ArenaBowl XXIV, where he was named Offensive Player of the Game for the second time in his career.
During his tenure in the League, Jackson recorded eight 1,000-yard seasons and had a streak of 52 consecutive games with a receiving score, both of which are the second-highest marks in League history. He reached the ArenaBowl with three different franchises and was named Offensive Player of the Game in his two final appearances. He ended his career with more postseason receiving touchdowns (45) than any player in AFL history and ranks second all-time in receiving touchdowns (325) and postseason points (278), and third in AFL history in receptions (1,004), receiving yards (13,378) and postseason receiving yards (1,743). He will be eligible for the AFL Hall of Fame following the 2014 season.
The Committee, which consists of longtime League executives, coaches, media members and former players, was asked to weigh in on which receivers best displayed excellence on the field, showcased the highest level of talent and meant the most to their teams.
Eddie Brown and Damian Harrell were the only two receivers voted above Jackson.
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