Maurice Jones-Drew was a top running back in his prime, unfortunately, he played for the Jaguars.
Having been on a subpar team throughout his career, he doesn’t get the same recognition as some other running backs during his era.
Beef with the Colts
When writing this I stumbled upon a story I surprisingly never heard before. Maurice Jones-Drew almost became an Indianapolis Colt in the 2006 NFL Draft.
Apparently after Edge left in free agency, Tony Dungy told Jones-Drew that if he could run a 4.3 in the 40-yard dash at the combine, they would draft him.
He hit the time and was expecting to go to Indy. However, the Colts didn’t draft him instead going with LSUs Joseph Addai.
Now I know why he would run all over us every year.
Just watch his highlights in this game.
In total MJD had 1,451 rushing yards and 10 TDs in 15 games against the Colts in his career.
Career With Jacksonville
By 2009, MJD was considered by most as a top-tier running back in the league. In a three-year stretch he would earn 3 Pro Bowl selections and never had less than 1,300 rushing yards. It was capped off by a 2011 season where he rushed for 1,600 yards earning him the Rushing Title and first and only First-Team All-Pro Selection.
In his final 3 seasons he was basically Jacksonville’s only offensive weapon. Seeing multiple quarterbacks come through, it was up to MJD to carry the offense practically by himself.
In his time with Jacksonville Jones-Drew rushed for 8,071 yards second behind Fred Taylor and 68 rushing TDs, which is still their franchise record today.
In his final 3 seasons with the Jags, he was basically Jacksonville’s only offensive weapon. Seeing 3 different starting QBs in and out of the lineup, it was up to MJD to carry the offense practically by himself. It was honestly special to watch a 5’7 RB single handily carry a team on his shoulders.
Career After Jacksonville
After becoming a free agent in 2014, MJD returned home to Oakland to play for the Raiders, signing for three years
However by then, Jones-Drew was on his decline and young running backs Darren McFadden and Latavious Murray were taking away touches.
After spending only one season in the Bay, in 2015 MJD announced his retirement at the age of 29.
Signing a one-day contract with Jacksonville to retire as a Jag.
We will have to wait and see if Pocket Hercules will someday get a bust in Canton.
More must-reads: