Steven Jackson Explains Why He Is A Beast

Rams running back Steven Jackson is often referred as a
beast and he recently discussed his nickname and what it
means to him. - Photo courtesy of Getty Images

St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson strikes fear in his opponents eyes.

Defensive players in the NFL have to dread seeing the Rams on the schedule knowing that they have the unenviable task of trying to tackle the 240 pound Pro Bowler.

Jackson is a multi-talented athlete who is agile, can break a big run, and has the unique ability to catch passes out of the back-field.  But there is really one way to describe Steven Jackson.

He is a beast!

Jackson, coming off a season where he ran for 1,241 yards and six touchdowns in 2010, acknowledged this monniker that has been unofficially been given to him.  Jackson talked about what he thinks about his nickname.

“It’s funny I have been referred to as a beast for quite some time and I said, ‘You know, I am going to look it up. What does the word beast mean?’  And to give you a quick synopsis of how I look at it and how I thought of it is ‘a mammal that bears the weight of something and transports it.’ I feel like I have been a beast because I bear the weight of some tough times around St. Louis and I have carried it from the days of glory to now hopefully to a new age and a new version of the days of glory. And I have been the particular, chosen one to feel like maybe he’s the one strong enough to bring us through the darkness back to a point where (quarterback) Sam (Bradford) and these younger guys will bring us back to glory.”

Jackson has certainly taken a leadership role on this young team and was named one the Rams captains for this season.

And while Jackson's thoughts about being a beast are noble and needed, if the Rams plan on making back to the playoffs this season, they'll need him to be rumbling out of the backfield and running over defensive backs on a regular basis.

There is no better place to start than in the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.  The Eagles are thing at linebacker and have smaller defensive backs as well.  Jackson may remember what it truly means to be a beast as he once again gets back to embarrassing a helpless defender on Sunday.

Sources:

• Steven Jackson quote