Frisman Jackson has been coaching wide receivers since he broke into the profession at Western Illinois in 2008. That's where Jackson played his college ball, starring at both wideout and quarterback before getting a chance as an undrafted free agent with the Browns in 2002.
Jackson spent five seasons in Cleveland, recording 40 career catches for 490 yards and one touchdown. This is his second NFL coaching job after spending one season with the Titans wide receivers in 2017. He's worked under head coach Matt Rhule at both Baylor and Temple.
Here are three questions with the man who goes by Fris:
What made you want to coach and how did you know it would be a successful career path for you?
"I grew up in Chicago, a single-family household. The most important people in my life were coaches – positive male role models. I saw how beneficial they were in my life. When I got done playing, I wanted to have that same impact on young men. That was the biggest factor. I played quarterback in college, so I always had an understanding of the game. When I was a wide receiver in the NFL, I was a guy who could move around and play different positions. I was able to help younger guys out by explaining what the coaches wanted. It was during that time when I realized I could do it."
Who is the toughest player you went up against in the NFL?
"I would say (cornerback) Chris McAlister, who played with the Ravens. Physical. He was going to get his hands on you. He could run. He could do anything you want from a corner. I was a big receiver and when you see a corner that's the same size as you, you know you are in for a challenging day."
What does it take to thrive as a receiver in this league?
"You have to have toughness – mental and physical. Playing football, everyone sees Sunday but no one sees Monday through Saturday. You have to be able to handle that. And physical toughness, when it's third-and-6 and you go across the middle knowing you are going to get hit. You have to show up and make plays in critical situations. To me, that's a true playmaker. Anyone can make plays in the first quarter. When the game is on the line, does this guy show up? You have to be smart and know situational football. Obviously, you have to get open and catch the football. I have some guys here that can do that."
