Sometimes a wide receiver just needs to be in the right offensive system in order to display his extraordinary talents. At least that was the case for former Eagles Pro Bowl receiver Harold Jackson.

After spending his rookie season with the Los Angeles Rams, in which he played in just two games, Jackson was traded to Philadelphia in 1969 and immediately showcased the skills that made him an elite receiver for many years.

WR Harold Jackson

"The Eagles put me in a position to make plays. I always felt I had game-breaking ability and the Eagles schemed to get the ball in my hands," Jackson said. "I was never given that opportunity my rookie year with the Rams."

Jackson took full advantage of the opportunity during his first season with the Eagles. The numbers reflect his success: 65 receptions (4th best in the NFL), 1,116 yards (an NFL best at the time), and 9 TDs (tied for 4th best that season).

He capped the year off with one of two Pro Bowl appearances as an Eagle. But under first-year head coach Jerry Williams, the team finished fourth in the Capitol Division with a 4-9-1 mark.

However, Jackson's success never carried over to the rest of the team. In fact, the team struggled on the field during Jackson's four seasons in Philadelphia, posting a 15-37-4 during his playing tenure, 1969-72.

"We definitely had some talent, but many times we would beat ourselves," recalled Jackson, a 5-10, 170-pound receiver at the time. "Many times we didn't make enough big plays or we were hurt by injuries."

A prime example of his frustration was at Giants Stadium on Oct. 11, 1970 when he racked up 194 receiving yards for the game (which ranks 6th all-time in Eagles history) and the Eagles lost the game, 30-23.

"I remember catching two touchdowns in that game and putting our team in great field position with some nice kickoff returns. But it didn't matter because we lost the game," Jackson said.

But Jackson was most hurt when he found out he was being traded by the Eagles back to the Los Angeles Rams at the end of the 1972 season.

"I absolutely cried when I heard I got traded because I did not want to leave Philadelphia. I loved the organization and still do even today," Jackson said. "I may have been one of the only players that never got booed while playing in Philadelphia, especially in the early 1970s.

"I loved the fan relationship, the public appearances, and the whole atmosphere of being a Philadelphia Eagle."

Since retiring from football in 1983, Jackson has been devoted to developing great wide receivers and has coached a lot of talented individuals, including former Eagles standout Irving Fryar.

WR Harold Jackson

"While being the wide receivers coach with the Patriots (1985-89), I had the chance to coach Irving when he first came into the league," Jackson said. "He was a great kid who always listened to instruction. He had all the physical tools: big, strong and fast. But it was his work ethic and attention to detail that separated him from many other young players. As a coach, you could see the hunger in his eyes every time he went out onto the field."

Jackson went on to speak about how he got started in the profession:

"The absolute last thing I ever wanted to do was get into coaching, but (in 1984) Raymond Berry -- my former coach -- gave me a call and asked me about it," Jackson said. "Then I consulted former Rams head coach Chuck Knox and he told me to just give it a try and see what happens. I have been a coach now for over 10 years."

Now entering his third season as the wide receivers coach at Baylor University, Jackson described his coaching philosophy at the collegiate level and how he works his players.

"Obviously all college players dream of one day playing professional football," Jackson said. "Therefore, I coach using the NFL rules and regulations. For example, they must catch the ball in practice with two feet in-bounds even though the college game only needs one foot in-bounds.

"These kids want to be Jerry Rice, Marvin Harrison and Terrell Owens, so I tell them to practice like them. I always tell my players: if you're not having fun playing football then get off the field."

Jackson, who wore No. 29 in Philadelphia, played a total of 16 NFL seasons with the Rams, Eagles, Patriots, Vikings and Seahawks.

In his downtime, Jackson enjoys boating, fishing and donating his time to the Boys & Girls Club. The 57-year-old resides in Los Angeles, California with his wife, Carolyn, and son, Brandon (12), who currently works as an actor and has made appearances on the popular TV program, The Bernie Mac Show.