Bio

Jamal Anderson was born in El Camino, California in 1972, and attended El Camino Real High School. After an award-filled varsity career, Anderson enrolled at Moorpark College in 1990 where he accumulated over 2,800 rushing yards during his two years. Anderson was named First Team All-Western State Conference both years while leading the Raiders to consecutive 9-2 seasons.

Anderson's impressive community college resume landed the 5'11", 234 lb. tailback an athletic scholarship to the University of Utah, where he compiled two solid seasons, rushing for 1,030 yards and a 5.7 yard average as a senior.

Anderson was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 1994. However, it was his selection in the seventh round that motivated Anderson to prove himself at every practice, every snap, and every day of his pro career. 

"I know it drives me all the time," Anderson was once quoted as saying. "Every time I think about the fact that five or six backs were taken ahead of me, it pushed me."

In training camp of his rookie year, Anderson drew an arrow pointing upwards on a depth chart that listed him as the fifth running back. He was the starter by his third season.

In 1996, Anderson produced the first of three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Anderson's best season as a pro came in 1998, when he set a club record with 1,846 rushing yards, scored sixteen touchdowns, rushed for an NFL-best twelve 100 yard games and set an NFL record with 410 carries. That same season, Anderson led the Falcons to an NFC championship and earned a start in the Pro Bowl.

Anderson bounced-back from major knee surgery in 2000 to again rush for over 1,000 yards. He finished his Falcons career third on the team's all-time rushing list with 5,336 yards and second in rushing touchdowns with 34. The Falcons were 14-5 in games when Anderson rushed for over 100 yards.

In 2000, Anderson was awarded the Ed Block Courage Award, given annually to one member of each NFL team who displays commitment to the principles of courage and sportsmanship, while serving as inspiration in their locker rooms and communities. This accolade has become one of the most esteemed honors bestowed upon NFL players, as the recipients are selected by their peers. 

In 2004, Anderson made his debut as a broadcast analyst with ABC covering college football. He is also President and CEO of JAM Entertainment. Now, as the newest inductee into the COA Hall of Fame, Anderson adds another honor to his impressive resume.