Jackson: ‘Couldn't ask for a better Christmas gift'

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FOXBORO -- Steven Jackson strolled through the Patriots locker room with a binder in his hand and a pencil stuck behind his ear.

On Wednesday, in his first meeting with local reporters, the 32-year-old running back explained that he has a lot to learn in a short period of time. Still, he was excited to have landed where he did.

With the Patriots, Jackson is headed to the playoffs for the first time since his rookie season with the Rams back in 2004.

"Couldn’t ask for a better Christmas gift," Jackson said. "Just looking forward to continuing to get better and continuing to learn the way of the Patriots."

At 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, Jackson could fill the role of "big" back once occupied by LeGarrette Blount, who was placed on season-ending injured reserve last week with a hip injury. He averaged 3.7 yards per carry last season for the Falcons, which placed him 32nd in the NFL among ball-carriers with at least 100 attempts. He was fifth in the league, however, when it came to picking up yards after contact per attempt. 

Jackson said he isn't sure what exactly his role would be -- Patriots coach Bill Belichick said something similar on Wednesday morning -- but he's willing to do whatever is asked of him.

"This team, they’re already a championship team," Jackson said. "They just needed some depth to the chart, and I’m just coming here to be the best running back for the organization I can be."

Jackson told reporters that he wasn't sure he'd get another opportunity to play in the NFL, but he worked out three days a week in the hopes that he'd get a phone call. That call came from the Patriots last week. He flew into New England for a workout soon thereafter, and the team announced that it had signed him on Tuesday.

"I think initially when the phone call happened, it was a little surreal," Jackson said. "But now I’m kind of settled down and playing football and doing what I love."

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