What Happened to Former NFL Running Back Jacquizz Rodgers?
What Happened to Former NFL Running Back Jacquizz Rodgers?
By Jason Bolton February 06, 2024 07:07
Jacquizz Rodgers, a former NFL running back, has had an eventful journey both on and off the field. Let's delve into his story.
Early Football Career
- High School Success: Rodgers attended Lamar Consolidated High School in Texas, where he had an outstanding football career, amassing over 8,000 rushing yards and setting the Texas state record for total touchdowns with 135 touchdowns in four years as a varsity player.
- College Football: He played college football at Oregon State University and was known for his exceptional performance, earning several accolades during his time there, including being a three-time All-American running back and the Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year in 2008.
Professional Football Career
- Entry into the NFL: In 2011, Jacquizz Rodgers was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fifth round of the NFL Draft.
- NFL Career: He played for the Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers across eight seasons in the NFL. During his NFL career, Rodgers showcased his talent as a running back, accumulating over 2,000 rushing yards and contributing significantly as a receiving threat with more than 200 receptions and over 1,500 receiving yards.
- Post-NFL Focus: After his playing career, Rodgers shifted his focus to coaching and mentoring youth players, running football camps in Texas and Oregon through his community-based Jacquizz Rodgers Foundation.
Academic Pursuits
- Balancing Education and Football: Despite his professional football commitments, Rodgers remained dedicated to earning his college degree. He enrolled in classes online through Oregon State's Ecampus during his NFL career, periodically working towards his bachelor's degree in human development and family sciences.
- Completion of Degree: After retiring from the NFL, Rodgers renewed his focus on his academics and ultimately completed his degree, fulfilling a promise he made to his family and setting an example for younger generations.
Current Endeavors
- Coaching Aspirations: Rodgers has expressed his goal of transitioning into coaching, aiming to guide younger generations at either the high school level or in college as a running backs coach.
- Mentorship Role: He actively serves as a mentor to youth players, organizing football camps and emphasizing the importance of grit and education.
- Community Involvement: Rodgers continues to make a difference in his community through his foundation and endeavors aimed at positively impacting the lives of young athletes.
Jacquizz Rodgers' story is one of perseverance, dedication, and a commitment to both athletic and academic pursuits. From his early success in high school and college football to his impactful career in the NFL, and now his focus on coaching and mentorship, Rodgers exemplifies the qualities of a determined and inspirational figure.
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