Am I the only one who thinks Fred Jackson is being a huge baby?

[metzelaars_lives]

Read Sullivan this morning and then read the comment by Chris Krueger below the article. Absolutely destroys Sullivan and he's 100% right. What does Fred Jackson think? That he's gonna go to another team and get 300 carries? Every team in the league uses a platoon system. Of course he's gonna end up with more carries than Spiller this year. They're going to try to win, which means they're gonna give carries to the back that is producing. But of course Spiller needs the touches in the preseason. I have the organization's back 100% on this one. Just as long as they don't trade him.

[miserable_fan]

No, being the fact that it's only pre-season. If he outplays Spiller during the regular season and still doesn't get carries, then perhaps his whining would be warranted.

 

With that being said, I love Freddy. He seems like a great team player, and puts everything he has on the football field.

Edited August 24, 2011 by miserable_fan

[billsfreak]

Am I the only one who thinks Fred Jackson is being a huge baby?

 

YES!

[mrpunchy]

I don't think he is being a baby, I think he is speaking his mind. He has been a model teammate and Bill and should be allowed to speak of his frustration over the situation. Frankly, I am surprised he handled it as professionally as he did. Most people would have gone off.

[Coach Tuesday]

He is underpaid. Please address that issue. Thanks.

[DFITZ1]

Read Sullivan this morning and then read the comment by Chris Krueger below the article. Absolutely destroys Sullivan and he's 100% right. What does Fred Jackson think? That he's gonna go to another team and get 300 carries? Every team in the league uses a platoon system. Of course he's gonna end up with more carries than Spiller this year. They're going to try to win, which means they're gonna give carries to the back that is producing. But of course Spiller needs the touches in the preseason. I have the organization's back 100% on this one. Just as long as they don't trade him.

 

Jackson is pissed, not a "huge baby". What he's upset about is all the mixed signals he gets from the FO. He's outperforming and being paid less than the guy next to him. For what he's done for this team, FJ has every right to be pissed and want to know where he stands. His reward for having a decent year at RB 2 years ago was to have an immediate replacement drafted. I would not expect someone who worked so hard to become an NFL starter to be anything but insulted and upset over that pick especially when there were so many other immediate needs. I can't believe anyone would expect FJ to just smile, take it, and roll over on command. Fred Jackson wasn't given what he has, HE TRULY EARNED IT. No one who does that just rolls over.

[Live&DieBillsFootball]

I think that it's stupid to get upset that someone else is starting a FREAKING PRESEASON GAME. Also, someone tell Fred that if Spiller gains 200 yards in a game and catches another 10 passes for 100 yards that Spiller will start ahead of him. Then also tell him that neither is very likely and to have his ass ready for Sept 11.

[Rob's House]

I think Jackson is showing a lot of class. He's grossly underpaid, and rather than going on a "show me the benjamins" tirade to the public, he's more diplomatically referring simply to "disrespect". Obviously he's been trying to renegotiate his contract, which he signed as a backup, and isn't making any headway. Gaily saying the starting job is Spiller's to lose, or that they're both starters, adds insult to injury by pouring salt in the wound and killing his leverage.

 

Plus, this isn't like a Jason Peters deal where they upped him last year and he's got 2-3 more years on his contract. And his window of opportunity is closing fast. Bills should do the right thing, the smart thing, and take care of a productive team leader who has earned it.

[CountDorkula]

Read Sullivan this morning and then read the comment by Chris Krueger below the article. Absolutely destroys Sullivan and he's 100% right. What does Fred Jackson think? That he's gonna go to another team and get 300 carries? Every team in the league uses a platoon system. Of course he's gonna end up with more carries than Spiller this year. They're going to try to win, which means they're gonna give carries to the back that is producing. But of course Spiller needs the touches in the preseason. I have the organization's back 100% on this one. Just as long as they don't trade him.

 

Im not going to say huge baby, but the way he went about it was immature. Don't go to the media. GO to Gailey and Nix and ask them, adn talk to them in private.

 

IMO, Freddie is what he is. A 30 year old good running back. He will not be around when the Bills actually have a shot at making the playoffs (See Lee Evans) So Spiller needs to get touches to see if he can be a dominate player in this league.

 

I like Freedie I think he is good for this team, but he is paid like the 40th best back in the league for a reason. He signed the contract and was not happy about it when he did. He has no one to blame but himself.

[2003Contenders]

Let's see...

 

In 2007, the Bills trade Willis and Marv spends all winter talking about what a special player Fred Jackson, who hails from his alma matre is. Then the team turns around and drafts Marshawn Lynch in the first round.

 

In 2008, Jackson clearly outplays Lynch. Then Jauron inexplicably hands the starting job to Lynch after coming off his suspension in 2009. After Jauron is fired, Perry Fewell has the good sense to reinstate Freddy as the feature back. Fred has a career year.

 

In 2010, the new regime comes is -- eschews trade possibilities for Lynch and drafts Spiller. Spiller isn't ready for prime time, and the Bills do everything they can to showcase Lynch for a trade. When they finally trade Lynch to Seattle, Fred finally gets the carries he deserves -- and produces.

 

Now entering 2011, he faces the possibility of losing his starting job again to Spiller, who still hasn't proven anything.

 

So, no, he is not being a baby.

Edited August 24, 2011 by 2003Contenders

[GOBILLS78]

He is underpaid. Please address that issue. Thanks.

 

Chris Johnson is underpaid. Fred Jackson is 30.

[BillsFanM.D.]

I don't think he is being a baby, I think he is speaking his mind. He has been a model teammate and Bill and should be allowed to speak of his frustration over the situation. Frankly, I am surprised he handled it as professionally as he did. Most people would have gone off.

 

 

Players try to manipulate public sentiment in these types of situations. Going public with his complaints gives him a non-confrontational platform to spout off. He could have just as easily gone to Gailey's office and 'gone off'...or called a team meeting and 'gone off.' I agree with his sentiment but not the methodology. Being pissed is fine...but don't use the media as your sounding board.

 

In addition, he has been a very classy pro/vet. So, I suppose, I am a bit surprised by it as well. Knowing his playing history, however, he'll just go out and produce.

[Zulu Cthulhu]

Seems like the common belief "RB is over 30=he's circling the drain and won't be around for long" is repeated mindlessly around here a lot. I know it's a belief perpetuated by all the media outlets like ESPN based on cases like Shaun Alexander.

 

Recently though older guys like LT and Thomas Jones have shown they can produce past 30 so I wouldn't be so dismissive of every RB that old.

 

I'm not saying the Bills should shell out a big extension to Jackson, but until you see an appreciable dropoff in his production maybe cut the guy a break - he may have more tread on his tires than you think.

[metzelaars_lives]

I'd agree he's underpaid. But that doesn't seem to be his gripe. He is not Thurman Thomas and CJ Spiller is not Kenneth Davis (yes I know, Kenneth Davis was sweet, bad example). But Jerry Sullivan- THE BILLS DID NOT REACH FOR SPILLER AT 9! He was considered the best player in the draft by both Gruden and Herm Edwards and I'm sure many others. Why do people act like the notion of trying to get carries for a guy taken 9th overall is an antiquated one? That's what they should be doing! If Jackson thoroughly outplays Spiller again this year, then he'll get the carries and will have nothing to worry about. This is the organization that made you- a guy playing in NFL Europe or the Arena League or whatever it was- a millionaire. Show some respect.

[cvanvol]

Something funny from a bills-dolphins game a few years back. Travis henry got hurt and mcgahee went off and scored what i believe was his first touchdown for us. Everytime he got a first down The guy a row ahead of me who had a few chardonnays before the game was screaming "trade henry" and this happened a lot with him and his friends actually starting a chant in our section. Then the third string running back came in to spell mcgahee and ran for like a 15 yard gain, our section went silent and the guy that was yelling the chant turned and looked at everyone in the section, he was silent for about 5 seconds and then yelled "F#$% it, Trade em both" and the crowd went wild ahahah The moral of the story: NFL RBs have a short shelf life and its all about productivity, the more effective player will play.

[Max997]

Jackson is coming off really bad thinking he doesnt have to compete for the starting job and that it should just be given to him

 

even worse he is upset he didnt start a preseason game, are you kidding me?

[Defend Greece]

Freebies JOB is to play football, he shows up to work everyday, on time with a good attitude.

He sets a good example for the younger guys and does what he is asked.

 

How would you like if you were the best at what you do for your employer but your boss keeps trying to have guys who make 2-3 times what you make

try to do your job and after not being able to, instead of them paying you what the guys who don't do your job as good as you make, they try another less knowledgeable higher paid

employee to do your job again... And the cycle doesn't stop

Pretty sure most of us would demand better, or quit

 

Jackson is coming off really bad thinking he doesnt have to compete for the starting job and that it should just be given to him

 

even worse he is upset he didnt start a preseason game, are you kidding me?

I am pretty sure there is more to it than that.

It's along drawn-out history of disrespect

[Mike in Syracuse]

He's not being a baby, he's being a HUGE coward. He wants more money and didn't have the guts to stand up and say so. He know that if he's not the consensus #1 back is chances of getting more $ are greatly reduced.

 

Instead he conjured up some story about being respected. Someone should remind him that when he came into the league no other NFL teams wanted anything to do with him. The Bills gave him a chance to earn millions now he wants more.

 

Maybe he'd prefer to go back to Europe?

Edited August 24, 2011 by Mike in Syracuse

[Defend Greece]

Jackson is coming off really bad thinking he doesnt have to compete for the starting job and that it should just be given to him

 

even worse he is upset he didnt start a preseason game, are you kidding me?

I am pretty sure there is more to it than that.

It's along drawn-out history of disrespect

[hondo in seattle]

I understand both sides of this argument. On the one hand, Freddie needs to be a mature professional. Most teams use a platoon system and he can't expect to be on the field all the time.

 

On the other hand, Freddie suffered in Lynch's shadow for a while and was now hearing rumors he was going to be benched in favor of Spiller who has done nothing to earn the starting role. The rumors seemed to be validated when Spiller started last week. After what he's been through, Freddie became concerned.

 

Personally, I think Freddie was wrong for going public with this stuff before talking to the coaching staff and resolving his worries and doubts privately. But Freddie has been an outstanding competitor and teammate since joining the Bills. IMHO, we all make mistakes and he's allowed this one.

 

And even though he's 30 and perhaps beginning his decline, I would love to see him rewarded with a better contract. His pay has been less than his level of contribution. And it's not like we're in dire need of cap space at the moment. Ralph and Buddy ought to demonstrate to the players that they take care of people - like Freddie - who take care of the team.

[FLFan]

I think he is being a baby and selfish and not showing any class or leadership. It seems my opinion is in the minority here, and I understand the arguements, I just generally do not like it when players spout off like this and put themselves before the team. It is highly counterproductive, even if he has reason to feel slighted. Very disappointing from Fred Jackson IMO - I thought better of him frankly.

[Mike in Syracuse]

I understand both sides of this argument. On the one hand, Freddie needs to be a mature professional. Most teams use a platoon system and he can't expect to be on the field all the time.

 

On the other hand, Freddie suffered in Lynch's shadow for a while and was now hearing rumors he was going to be benched in favor of Spiller who has done nothing to earn the starting role. The rumors seemed to be validated when Spiller started last week. After what he's been through, Freddie became concerned.

 

Personally, I think Freddie was wrong for going public with this stuff before talking to the coaching staff and resolving his worries and doubts privately. But Freddie has been an outstanding competitor and teammate since joining the Bills. IMHO, we all make mistakes and he's allowed this one.

 

And even though he's 30 and perhaps beginning his decline, I would love to see him rewarded with a better contract. His pay has been less than his level of contribution. And it's not like we're in dire need of cap space at the moment. Ralph and Buddy ought to demonstrate to the players that they take care of people - like Freddie - who take care of the team.

 

I don't believe for a second that he wasn't baited by WGR to create a story.

[cvanvol]

I'd agree he's underpaid. But that doesn't seem to be his gripe. He is not Thurman Thomas and CJ Spiller is not Kenneth Davis (yes I know, Kenneth Davis was sweet, bad example). But Jerry Sullivan- THE BILLS DID NOT REACH FOR SPILLER AT 9! He was considered the best player in the draft by both Gruden and Herm Edwards and I'm sure many others. Why do people act like the notion of trying to get carries for a guy taken 9th overall is an antiquated one? That's what they should be doing! If Jackson thoroughly outplays Spiller again this year, then he'll get the carries and will have nothing to worry about. This is the organization that made you- a guy playing in NFL Europe or the Arena League or whatever it was- a millionaire. Show some respect.

 

 

 

Best player in that draft????? I dont think there was one person in the entire world that believed that except maybe his mother. Why do you make things up?

[bills44]

Plus, this isn't like a Jason Peters deal where they upped him last year and he's got 2-3 more years on his contract.

 

Jackson signed the 4-yr extension 2 years ago, and has 2 seasons remaining on that extension.

 

To the OP, no, you're not the only one who thinks that Jackson is being a baby.

[BuffaloWings]

I think this is all being blown out of proportion. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but this is how I saw it play out...

 

Fred responded to an article by Tim Graham that said the #1 RB job was Spiller's to lose (where Graham got that info is beyond me or seemingly anyone at OBD). Fred's response wasn't tirade-laden or anything, just saying that he's disappointed and thought he should be the #1 guy based on his recent production.

 

Gailey gets blindsided by this info at a press conference and basically says that both backs need to produce in order for the Bills to win, yet all but said that Fred is the #1 guy.

 

Gailey then talks to Fred, assures him he's he #1 back, but reiterates that both he and Spiller need to play well for the team to win. That is, Fred needs to continue producing and Spiller needs to start producing.

 

End of what-we-thought-was-a-controversy-but-never-really-was.

Edited August 24, 2011 by BuffaloWings

[DrDawkinstein]

Im with you Metz, and Chris Krueger. I also agree with Mike in 'Cuse.

 

Almost every NFL team has a couple/few RBs. Freddie will get his touches no matter what. If all of this is just because he feels disrespected for not being handed the "#1 RB" title, then he can stop cashing his checks for the $2mil he is set to earn this year and go back to whatever he was doing before the Bills pulled him from obscurity.

 

He should've gone to Gailey first, not WGR.

 

The NFL is a man's league. If he cant handle a little preseason roster shuffling, then he needs to go back to whatever crap league he was playing in prior to the Bills making him a millionaire.

 

Suck it up, do your job.

[Stampede]

Fred has already proven what he can do as the number one back. they have to see what they have in Spiller and the preseason seems to be the logical time to find that out. as far as i know that can only be done by giving him more touches in the PRESEASON (without the benefit of OTAs and extended training camp to boot). unless there is more to this than is being revealed; i don't understand Fred's complaining especially at this time (it's not about the money). where did he get the impression he would not be the number one when the season starts for real? i don't want to loose any respect for him.

Edited August 24, 2011 by Stampede

[metzelaars_lives]

Best player in that draft????? I dont think there was one person in the entire world that believed that except maybe his mother. Why do you make things up?

 

Listen you complete and utter bozo, you clearly didn't watch the draft. Once again, both Jon Gruden and Herm Edwards both very clearly stated, in plain English, that they felt CJ Spiller was the best football player in the 2010 draft during the very extensive coverage of the 2010 draft, right after he was selected by your Buffalo Bills. Do you have any idea how sick he was in college? Yes he hasn't quite adjusted to the pro level yet, but give him some time.

[OP Class75]

Got to chime in on this one because I think we are missing the boat. The problem isn't that Spiller started a pre-season game - the problem is that Gailey is not communicating with his players. Jackson has earned the right to be informed when the head coach makes a change that affects his position....the key phrase here is "Earned." Levitre has also earned that right...these guys are not undrafted free agents trying to make the team - they spilled sweat and blood on the field in the name of the Buffalo Bills. If Gailey wants to make a change or conduct an experiment, that's fine - he is the head coach and has that right. BUT....demonstrate a little commmon courtsy and atleast approach an inform the affected players especially if they are ones like Jackson and Levitre who have given their all. This is not about guys thinking they don't have to earn their jobs....I doubt that either Jackson or Levitre believe that. This is about respecting players and acknowledging what they have done and sacrificed for the team. I absolutely support Jackson.

[apuszczalowski]

this has all been blown out of proportion by the media (like most things today)

 

it is also Fred planting the seeds for a new/reworked deal, he had said that this whole thing is "a little about the money"

He isn't happen with his current deal and the rumors about CJ being given the "starting job", add in probable frustration over the team letting a veteran like Evans leave and at his age, seeing the writing on the wall that the team wants to get much younger, he made some public comments that made him look like he was whining.

 

Of course with Fred being a sacred player around these parts, slightly ahead of Fitz, as guys who should just be handed their jobs for the amazing work they have done for a 4-12 team, no competition should be made for their position because it may make them upset.

[bmur66]

Baby? No. Frustrated by things management is doing or not doing? Yes. Fred just wants to SEE the baby like we do.

Edited August 24, 2011 by bmur66

[cvanvol]

Listen you complete and utter bozo, you clearly didn't watch the draft. Once again, both Jon Gruden and Herm Edwards both very clearly stated, in plain English, that they felt CJ Spiller was the best football player in the 2010 draft during the very extensive coverage of the 2010 draft, right after he was selected by your Buffalo Bills. Do you have any idea how sick he was in college? Yes he hasn't quite adjusted to the pro level yet, but give him some time.

 

 

 

Hhahaha well i am sure they regret ever saying that. Also I did watch the draft I dont remember hearing Gruden say that however herm was asked after the pick and said it more in a if we look back in a few years and he blows up. Suh was and still is easily the best player in that draft.

[Billsguy]

Am I the only one who thinks Fred Jackson is being a huge baby?

 

YES!

 

YES and YES!

[bmur66]

Got to chime in on this one because I think we are missing the boat. The problem isn't that Spiller started a pre-season game - the problem is that Gailey is not communicating with his players. Jackson has earned the right to be informed when the head coach makes a change that affects his position....the key phrase here is "Earned." Levitre has also earned that right...these guys are not undrafted free agents trying to make the team - they spilled sweat and blood on the field in the name of the Buffalo Bills. If Gailey wants to make a change or conduct an experiment, that's fine - he is the head coach and has that right. BUT....demonstrate a little commmon courtsy and atleast approach an inform the affected players especially if they are ones like Jackson and Levitre who have given their all. This is not about guys thinking they don't have to earn their jobs....I doubt that either Jackson or Levitre believe that. This is about respecting players and acknowledging what they have done and sacrificed for the team. I absolutely support Jackson.

 

Good post. I think you hit the nail on the head

[apuszczalowski]

Got to chime in on this one because I think we are missing the boat. The problem isn't that Spiller started a pre-season game - the problem is that Gailey is not communicating with his players. Jackson has earned the right to be informed when the head coach makes a change that affects his position....the key phrase here is "Earned." Levitre has also earned that right...these guys are not undrafted free agents trying to make the team - they spilled sweat and blood on the field in the name of the Buffalo Bills. If Gailey wants to make a change or conduct an experiment, that's fine - he is the head coach and has that right. BUT....demonstrate a little commmon courtsy and atleast approach an inform the affected players especially if they are ones like Jackson and Levitre who have given their all. This is not about guys thinking they don't have to earn their jobs....I doubt that either Jackson or Levitre believe that. This is about respecting players and acknowledging what they have done and sacrificed for the team. I absolutely support Jackson.

The coach is the guy running the show, and if they want to make changes, they can make changes, they don't have to go over and make sure its ok with last years starter so they don't get their feeling hurt. So far it seems to be the fans and media making more out of this then the players. levitre didn't seem all that distraught over it, it was the media and fans declaring he had been demoted to 2nd string. it was also the media saying that Spiller was now the #1 because he was given "the start" in Saturdays pre-season game.

[Stampede]

guess i was wrong, it seems that money is a factor and along with the Tim Graham tweet maybe that's why he is speaking up at this time. but still how are they supposed to evaluate Spiller?

[DrDawkinstein]

The coach is the guy running the show, and if they want to make changes, they can make changes, they don't have to go over and make sure its ok with last years starter so they don't get their feeling hurt. So far it seems to be the fans and media making more out of this then the players. levitre didn't seem all that distraught over it, it was the media and fans declaring he had been demoted to 2nd string. it was also the media saying that Spiller was now the #1 because he was given "the start" in Saturdays pre-season game.

 

Yes.

[apuszczalowski]

guess i was wrong, it seems that money is a factor and along with the Tim Graham tweet maybe that's why he is speaking up at this time. but still how are they supposed to evaluate Spiller?

They don't have to evaluate him, he is just supposed to show up and be a superstar, but not be better then Fred cause he might get his feelings hurt and lose his "starting job"

[bmur66]

I am going to go out on the shop floor right now and move some people to different departments and change the foremen around because I can. I don't have to explain how or why to anyone. I wonder how this will go over.

[bills44]

I am going to go out on the shop floor right now and move some people to different departments and change the foremen around because I can. I don't have to explain how or why to anyone. I wonder how this will go over.

 

do you oversee any workers who, while doing a pretty good job, are viewed as being better at their jobs than they really are?