Coe College Alumni Fred Jackson named to 2025 College Football Hall of Fame ballot

Fred Jackson is my favorite Buffalo Bill of All-Time and I love that he has been named to the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame ballot!

The former Coe College running back is listed on a 100-player shortlist for the 2025 College Football Divisional Player Hall of Fame.

Jackson was a 2002 First Team All-American who led Coe College to its first-ever IIAC title in 2002. A two-time IIAC MVP and three-time All-IIAC performer, the future Bandit boasted school records for single-game punt return (113) and kick return (164) yardage and ranks third all-time with 4,054 career rush yards.

Despite his success in college, playing at a Division III school meant Jackson was not highly scouted by NFL teams.

Jackson started his professional career in the IFL, playing for the Sioux City Bandits. Jackson’s next step was playing for the Rhein Fire in NFL Europe, where he continued to prove himself against a higher level of competition.

Jackson would go on to play for 9 years in the NFL, after starting on the practice squad of the Buffalo Bills and turning into a big-time asset for the team. He finished his career as the first player in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards and accumulate 1,000 kickoff return yards in the same season.

Fred Jackson’s journey to the NFL is notable for his unconventional path and resilience. Coming from a Division III school and working his way through lesser-known leagues to finally make it in the NFL is a testament to his hard work and determination.

Jackson’s story is often cited as an example of perseverance and overcoming the odds to achieve success in professional football. Fred Jackson’s path was not like everyone else’s, but he deserves the HOF more than anyone else because of his perserverance.