The Sports Xchange

Longtime Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson was released Monday.

“Today, we had to make the difficult decision to release Fred Jackson. He had an incredible career for this organization for the past 10 years. We thank Fred for his hard work, dedication and leadership during his tenure with the Buffalo Bills,” general manager Doug Whaley said in a release. “Fred has inspired the city of Buffalo in a number of ways. Fred and his family have been dedicated to this community and we can’t thank them enough for their contributions through his career.”

Jackson, 34, started nine games for the Bills last season, rushing for 525 yards on 141 carries. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent from Coe College but logged carries in NFL Europe and Arena Football before he broke through with the Bills.

He missed time in training camp with a sore hamstring.

The Bills replaced Jackson as the starter in the offseason, acquiring LeSean McCoy from the Philadelphia Eagles and giving him a contract with a salary of $16 million due in 2015.

Last week, coach Rex Ryan said he was excited that Jackson was ready to play in his first preseason game. Jackson said he wasn’t surprised by doubters. Being released now gives him a chance to sign with another team before rosters are cut down to 53-man rosters on Saturday. One team to watch is the New England Patriots. Head coach Bill Belichick has long praised Jackson for his professionalism and do-it-all, no-nonsense approach.

“I’ve had doubters all my life. You grow accustomed to that. You’re always proving yourself, showing that you can compete. Every time you step on the field that should be your mindset. And that’s definitely my mindset – to go out here, make some plays and show that I can still compete,” Jackson said last week.

In addition to releasing Jackson, the Bills cut defensive end Michael Buchanan, cornerback Ross Cockrell, defensive tackle Justin Hamilton, linebacker Andrew Hudson, offensive tackle Terren Jones, cornerback Ellis Lankster, safety Kenny Ladler, safety Wes Miller, offensive guard DJ Morrell, defensive end Cedric Reed and running back Ricky Seale.