James Lofton: Difference between revisions

James David Lofton (Born July 5, 1956, at Fort Ord, Monterey, California) is a former American Football wide receiver who played for the Green Bay Packers (1978-1986), Los Angeles Raiders (1987-1988), the Buffalo Bills (1989-1992), Los Angeles Rams (1993) and Philadelphia Eagles (1993). He was an 8-time Pro-Bowler for both Green Bay and Buffalo and played in three Super Bowls with the Bills. Lofton was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the class of 2003.

In his 16 NFL seasons, Lofton caught 764 passes for 14,004 yards and 75 touchdowns. He averaged 20 yards per catch or more in five seasons, leading the league in 1983 and 1984 with an average of 22.4 and 22 yards respectively. He also rushed 32 times for 246 yards and 1 touchdown.

Lofton became the wide receiver coach for the San Diego Chargers in 2002 and has continued that role for four seasons. In 2006, Lofton was one of two finalists for the Stanford head coaching job. That job went to Jim Harbaugh. Lofton has been announced as head coach for Oakland Raiders from 2007.

Lofton is the first NFL player to record 14,000 yards receiving and the first to score a touchdown in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. During his nine seasons in Green Bay, Lofton played in seven Pro Bowls. In 1991, Lofton became the oldest player to record 1,000 receiving yards in a season.

Lofton has interviewed with the Oakland Raiders to fill up their vacancy at the Head Coach position. its is heavily rumored that both Lofton and the Raiders organization have come to terms.

College career

James Lofton graduated Stanford University. As a senior, Lofton received 68 passes for 1,216 yards (17.88 yards per reception average), and was an All-American selection.

He was also a track star, winning the NCAA long jump championship. At one point, Lofton was clocked at 20.7 seconds for the 200-meter dash. Lofton also won the NCAA long jump title as a senior.

Lofton has always stated that his greatest accomplishment in life was marrying his wife, Beverly and having three wonderful children, David, Daniel and Rachel. Rachel was on the TV show Endurance Hawaii.

James Lofton, in 2007, was named as the frontrunner to become the raiders newest head coach. The out going coach, Art Shell's tenure was a short one, but most will agree that he was never given a chance.

External links

• Pro Football Hall of Fame: Member profile