WR Jacoby Ford returns a kickoff for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs on November 7, 2010. Photo by Tony Gonzales.
Rookie WR Jacoby Ford had a breakout season for The Oakland Raiders in 2010. Drafted in the 4th round, Ford had the fastest 40-yard dash time at the 2010 Combine, clocking in at 4.26. Known as a speed burner, Ford proved to be a threat on offense and special teams.
Ford broke a single-season franchise and an individual record with three kick returns for touchdowns this past season – against the Kansas City Chiefs on November 7, 2010; the Miami Dolphins on November 28, 2010; and the Indianapolis Colts on December 26, 2010. He fielded 53 kickoffs for a total of 1,280 yards (24.2 avg).
The rookie out of Clemson University turned found several different ways to contribute to the 10th ranked offense in the NFL. He caught 25 passes for 470 yards and two touchdowns and rushed 10 times for 155 yards and two touchdowns.
In the 23-20 overtime victory over the Chiefs, Ford became only the second player in NFL history to have more than 140 receiving yards and 150 return yards in one game. For his efforts during Week 7, Ford was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week and was also voted Pepsi Rookie of the Week.
Ford was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Month for November after he added a 101-yard kickoff return touchdown against Miami in Week 12. The return was the third longest in Raiders history. During November, Ford scored three touchdowns, had 439 yards with a 29.3-yard average on 15 kickoff returns and totaled 283 yards receiving with a 23.6-yard average on 12 catches.
In Week 16 against the Colts, Ford returned another kickoff for a touchdown, racing 99 yards. The return was the fourth longest on the Raiders all-time list. Ford was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for the second time and was nominated for Pepsi Rookie of the Week.
Ford started the season contributing mostly on special teams, but developed into an offensive threat. He finished the season with 1,805 all-purpose yards and seven touchdowns.
