Jamal
Anderson, Moorpark College
Inducted: 2005
Jamal Anderson was born
in El Camino, California in 1972, and attended El Camino Real High School.
After an award-filled varsity career, Anderson enrolled at Moorpark College
in 1990 where he accumulated over 2,800 rushing yards during his two years.
Anderson was named First Team All-Western State Conference both years while
leading the Raiders to consecutive 9-2 seasons.
Anderson's impressive
community college resume landed the 5'11", 234 lb. tailback an athletic
scholarship to the University of Utah, where he compiled two solid seasons,
rushing for 1,030 yards and a 5.7 yard average as a senior.
Anderson was drafted
by the Atlanta Falcons in 1994. However, it was his selection in the seventh
round that motivated Anderson to prove himself at every practice, every
snap, and every day of his pro career.
"I know it drives
me all the time," Anderson was once quoted as saying. "Every
time I think about the fact that five or six backs were taken ahead of
me, it pushed me."
In training camp of
his rookie year, Anderson drew an arrow pointing upwards on a depth chart
that listed him as the fifth running back. He was the starter by his third
season.
In 1996, Anderson
produced the first of three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Anderson's
best season as a pro came in 1998, when he set a club record with 1,846
rushing yards, scored sixteen touchdowns, rushed for an NFL-best twelve
100 yard games and set an NFL record with 410 carries. That same season,
Anderson led the Falcons to an NFC championship and earned a start in
the Pro Bowl.
Anderson bounced-back
from major knee surgery in 2000 to again rush for over 1,000 yards. He
finished his Falcons career third on the team's all-time rushing list
with 5,336 yards and second in rushing touchdowns with 34. The Falcons
were 14-5 in games when Anderson rushed for over 100 yards.
In 2000, Anderson
was awarded the Ed Block Courage Award, given annually to one member of
each NFL team who displays commitment to the principles of courage and
sportsmanship, while serving as inspiration in their locker rooms and
communities. This accolade has become one of the most esteemed honors
bestowed upon NFL players, as the recipients are selected by their peers.
In 2004, Anderson
made his debut as a broadcast analyst with ABC covering college football.
He is also President and CEO of JAM Entertainment. Now, as the newest
inductee into the COA Hall of Fame, Anderson adds another honor to his
impressive resume.
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