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Jackson ready for bigger NFL role

SIOUX CITY (KTIV) -- It's been a very good offseason for former Sioux City Bandits running back Fred Jackson. After wrapping up his second year with the Buffalo Bills, Jackson signed a 4-year contract, reportedly worth $2-million a season. With that big payday comes bigger expectations.

Jackson was back in Sioux City this past weekend, to take part in the "Soft Bowl" benefit softball game at Lewis and Clark Park. Jackson will likely be the Bills starter to start the season, because last year's starter, Marshawn Lynch, is serving a 3-game suspension.

Jackson ran for 571 yards last year with three touchdowns, and he's ready for the increased work load.

"I feel like I belong," says Jackson. "Our coaches are making adjustments in our playbook to get me the ball. Any time you have coaches doing that, going in after the film study to see how we can get him on the field more, it makes you feel like you belong."

One of Jackson's new teammates in Buffalo is wide receiver Terrell Owens, who's been known to cause some problems in the locker room. If he tries that with the Bills, Jackson says he won't be afraid to speak up.

"Nobody wants that kind of stuff in the locker room. I'll be one of the first guys to say something to him if I feel like he's getting out of hand. No question about it. I'll be one of the first guys to say something to him. We have a good group of guys that won't hesitate to say anything to him."

Jackson scored 50 touchdowns for the Bandits in 2005. He turned 28-years-old in February.