Jerome Felton
Jerome Jean-Marie Felton (born July 3, 1986) is a former American football fullback. He previously played for the Minnesota Vikings, where he had been a fundamental part of Adrian Peterson's success, including Peterson's 2,097 rushing yards season in 2012. He played college football at Furman, and was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He has also played for the Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, and Buffalo Bills. Early years. Felton is a 2004 graduate of Sequoyah High School, Madisonville, Tennessee, where he was a two-way starter at  fullback and middle linebacker. He rushed for over 3,000 yards and compiled over 300 tackles in his three-year career. He was a three-time team offensive MVP, All-County, and All-Region selection, served as team captain, rushed for 1,300 yards, and finished second on his team with 104 tackles in 2003. College career. Felton was all-conference as a senior, in 2007, and closed out his career as Furman's all-time record holder in scoring with 414 points. In 2006, he was named first-team All-SoCon and helped lead Furman to an 8–4 record, earn a  playoff berth, and finish ranked No. 12 in The Sports Network national poll. In 2005, he helped Paladins to an 11–3 record, NCAA I-AA semifinal playoff finish, and No. 3 final national ranking. He led in rushing with 940 yards and scored a team leading 20 touchdowns and set a school single season scoring record with 124 points. In 2004, he began the season in a reserve role but by midseason took over the starting fullback job, beating out a pair of seniors in the process. Professional career. Detroit Lions. He was drafted by the Lions in the fifth  round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He became the Lions starting fullback as a rookie, playing in 13 games, starting six and catching nine passes. On August 30, 2011, he was waived by the team. Carolina Panthers. Felton was claimed off waivers by the Carolina Panthers on September 1, 2011. After the Panthers waived Tony Fiammetta, Felton was named starting fullback of the Panthers, just three days after being claimed off waivers. Felton was waived by the Panthers on November 25. Indianapolis Colts. Felton was claimed off waivers by the Indianapolis Colts on November 28, 2011. Minnesota Vikings. On March  20, 2012, Felton was signed as a free agent by the Minnesota Vikings. On December 26, 2012, Felton was selected to his first NFL Pro Bowl. On March 12, 2013, Felton was re-signed by the Vikings with a three-year, $7.5 million contract. On August 14, 2013, Felton underwent an appendectomy. On August 26, 2013, Felton was suspended for three games for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy. Buffalo Bills. On March 11, 2015, Felton signed with the Buffalo Bills. He was released on September 2, 2016, as part of final preseason roster cuts. On September 12 , 2016, he re-signed with the Bills. On December 15, 2017, Felton announced his retirement from the NFL.