Gridiron Greatness
An Analytical Profile of a Super Bowl Champion Running Back
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James Starks: An Introduction
Professional Identity
James Darell Starks (born February 25, 1986) is an American former professional football player who excelled as a running back. He played his entire NFL career with the Green Bay Packers from 2010 to 2016. Starks was a significant contributor to the Packers' victory in Super Bowl XLV, showcasing his talent on the league's grandest stage.
Personal Details
Born in Niagara Falls, New York, Starks stands at 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) and weighs 218 pounds (99 kg). His athletic journey began in his hometown, laying the foundation for a successful career in professional football.
Early Life and High School
High School Career
Starks attended Niagara Falls High School in Niagara Falls, New York. He demonstrated considerable athletic prowess, excelling not only as a running back and quarterback in football but also as a standout performer in track and field, notably in the long jump and 100-meter dash. His senior season saw him earn All-Western New York honors, marking him as a notable talent emerging from the region.
Collegiate Recruitment
Despite his high school achievements, Starks was rated as a two-star recruit by Rivals.com. His collegiate path was shaped by a singular opportunity, as he received only one scholarship offer, which came from the University at Buffalo. He accepted this offer, embarking on his college football career with the Buffalo Bulls.
Collegiate Journey
Buffalo Bulls Record
From 2006 to 2009, James Starks was a formidable force for the Buffalo Bulls football team. He etched his name in the university's history by setting a career rushing record with 3,140 yards and scoring a total of 40 touchdowns. His sophomore and junior years were particularly dominant, each featuring over 1,000 rushing yards, making him the first Bulls player in the Division I-A era to achieve this feat consecutively.
Collegiate Accolades
Starks's collegiate performance earned him significant recognition within the Mid-American Conference (MAC). He was named first-team All-MAC in 2008 and received second-team All-MAC honors in both 2006 and 2007. He also became a member of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity during his time at Buffalo. Unfortunately, his senior season was curtailed by a shoulder injury, impacting his draft prospects.
Professional Career Path
NFL Draft and Packers Tenure
James Starks's professional journey began when he was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round, 193rd overall, of the 2010 NFL draft. After signing his contract, he was placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform list but was activated on November 9, 2010. He spent seven seasons with the Packers, from 2010 to 2016, becoming a reliable presence in the team's backfield.
Navigating Injuries
Starks's NFL career was notably challenged by a series of lower body injuries, including ankle issues, turf toe, bone bruises, and meniscus tears. These persistent ailments led to him missing a significant number of games, particularly in his early seasons. In response to these setbacks, Starks strategically adjusted his playing style, prioritizing evasion and contact avoidance to enhance his durability and extend his career.
Achievements and Honors
Super Bowl Champion
A career highlight for James Starks was his integral role in the Green Bay Packers' victory in Super Bowl XLV. In the championship game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he contributed significantly to the offense, rushing for 52 yards on 11 carries, demonstrating his capability under pressure.
Recognition and Milestones
Beyond his Super Bowl triumph, Starks garnered collegiate accolades, including first-team All-MAC in 2008 and second-team honors in prior years. His hometown of Niagara Falls, New York, recognized his achievements by illuminating the city's falls in green and gold during the 2010 playoffs, a testament to his impact on his community.
Statistical Performance
NFL Regular Season Statistics
Throughout his 76 regular season games with the Packers, James Starks compiled 2,506 rushing yards on 618 carries, averaging 4.1 yards per attempt, and scored 9 rushing touchdowns. He also proved to be a capable receiver, making 125 receptions for 1,017 yards and 6 receiving touchdowns. His 2015 season was his most productive statistically, setting career highs in rushing yards (601), receiving yards (392), and total touchdowns (6).
| Year | Team | GP | GS | Rushing | Receiving | Fumbles | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Fum | Lost | ||||
| 2010 | GB | 3 | 0 | 29 | 101 | 3.5 | 16 | 0 | 2 | 15 | 7.5 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 | GB | 13 | 2 | 133 | 578 | 4.3 | 40 | 1 | 29 | 216 | 7.4 | 17 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| 2012 | GB | 6 | 2 | 71 | 255 | 3.6 | 22 | 1 | 4 | 31 | 7.8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2013 | GB | 13 | 1 | 89 | 493 | 5.5 | 41 | 3 | 10 | 89 | 8.9 | 23 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2014 | GB | 16 | 0 | 85 | 333 | 3.9 | 41 | 2 | 18 | 140 | 7.8 | 28 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2015 | GB | 16 | 4 | 148 | 601 | 4.1 | 65 | 2 | 43 | 392 | 9.1 | 30 | 3 | 5 | 3 |
| 2016 | GB | 9 | 4 | 63 | 145 | 2.3 | 11 | 0 | 19 | 134 | 7.1 | 31 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 76 | 13 | 618 | 2,506 | 4.1 | 65 | 9 | 125 | 1,017 | 8.1 | 31 | 6 | 11 | 4 | |
| Source: NFL.com | |||||||||||||||
NFL Postseason Statistics
In 10 postseason appearances, Starks demonstrated his ability to perform in high-stakes games, accumulating 523 rushing yards on 121 carries for an average of 4.3 yards per attempt, and scoring 2 rushing touchdowns. He also contributed 15 receptions for 68 yards in playoff contests.
| Year | Team | GP | GS | Rushing | Receiving | Fumbles | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Fum | Lost | ||||
| 2010 | GB | 4 | 4 | 81 | 315 | 3.9 | 27 | 1 | 3 | 15 | 5.0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 | GB | 1 | 0 | 6 | 43 | 7.2 | 29 | 0 | 4 | 24 | 6.0 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 | GB | 1 | 0 | 5 | 29 | 5.8 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 13 | 13.0 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | GB | 2 | 0 | 10 | 60 | 6.0 | 32 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | GB | 2 | 0 | 19 | 76 | 4.0 | 22 | 1 | 6 | 16 | 2.7 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 10 | 4 | 121 | 523 | 4.3 | 32 | 2 | 15 | 68 | 4.5 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Source: pro-football-reference.com | |||||||||||||||
Further Exploration
External Resources
For a comprehensive look at James Starks's career statistics and performance metrics, consult the detailed records available on Pro Football Reference and NFL.com. Additionally, Wikimedia Commons hosts a collection of media related to James Starks, offering visual context to his career.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date. This content does not constitute professional sports analysis or advice.
This is not professional sports analysis. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional sports commentary, statistical analysis, or career evaluation. Always refer to official league documentation, reputable sports news outlets, and consult with qualified sports analysts or professionals for definitive information and insights.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.