Jacoby Ford
A blur of speed on the football field, his track-star acceleration made him one of the most electrifying return specialists of his era.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American gridiron football player·Birthday: July 27·Millennials
Biography
Jacoby Ford’s career was built on pure, unadulterated speed. At Clemson University, he wasn't just a football player terrorizing defenses and special teams; he was also a championship-caliber sprinter, claiming an ACC title in the 60-meter dash. That explosive velocity translated directly to the NFL when the Oakland Raiders drafted him in 2010. From his first game, Ford was a human highlight reel, most memorably taking a kickoff back 101 yards for a touchdown against the rival Kansas City Chiefs. His presence on the field forced opponents to completely rethink their kicking strategies, as a single missed tackle could mean six points. While injuries ultimately shortened his time as a player, his legacy is that of a rare dual-sport athlete whose track prowess defined a thrilling, if brief, chapter in professional football.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jacoby was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jacoby Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Jacoby's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Returned a kickoff 101 yards for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2010, a pivotal play in a divisional upset.
- Recorded a 4.28-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, one of the fastest times ever recorded at the event.
- Won the ACC championship in the 60-meter dash during his collegiate track career at Clemson.
- Amassed over 2,000 all-purpose yards and scored 7 total touchdowns during his rookie NFL season.
Did You Know?
His personal best in the 100-meter dash is 10.01 seconds, a time that would have qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials.
He was a state champion sprinter in high school in Florida, winning the 100-meter and 200-meter titles.
In a 2010 game, he scored both a receiving touchdown and a kick-return touchdown, showcasing his dual-threat ability.
“My speed is my weapon; I just need a seam to hit it.”
