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NFL Free Agency - James Starks Re-Signs with Green Bay

Former Bull Starks resigns with the Pack on a 2-year deal.

Doug Pensinger

James Starks, a former Buffalo Bull and Green Bay Packer has re-signed as a free agent with the Green Bay Packers on a 2-year deal according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.



Before the NFL James Starks played in college with his home town Buffalo Bulls. He finished his career as the University’s all-time leader in rushing yards (3,140), rushing touchdowns (34) and points scored (222) despite only playing three seasons.

His 3,140 yards broke the previous record of 3,103 held by Anthony Swan (1994-97), his 34 rushing TDs broke the previous record of 29 by Lee Jones (1965-67) and Swan, and his 222 points topped the previous record of 184 by Alan Bell (1989-92).

Starks was drafted in the 6th round of the 2010 NFL draft by the Packers and impressed early but missed most of the season with a hamstring injury sidelined him for most of the regular season. When the Packers hit the post season however Starks was ready, as a rookie he started all four postseason games during Green Bay's Super Bowl championship season.

Starks led the NFL with 315 rushing yards on 81 carries (3.9 avg.) in the playoffs, the third-highest ever postseason total by a rookie behind only Smith (342 in ’87) and Lewis (338 in 00')

In the NFC Championship against Chicago Starks provided a consistent rushing threat for the Packers’ balanced attack, posting 74 yards on 22 carries (3.4 avg.). Scored the first TD of his pro career on a 4-yard run early in the second quarter to put Green Bay ahead 14-0.

In the Superbowl against Pittsburgh Starks became the first rookie RB to start the Super Bowl since Indianapolis’ Joseph Addai in 2006. During the game he had 11 carries doe  52 yards (4.7 avg.), providing a complement to an Aaron Rodgers-led passing attack.

IN 2011 Starks played in 13 games with two starts and led the team with 578 yards and a TD on 133 carries (4.3 avg.). He also led the Green Bay running backs with 29 receptions for 216 yards (7.4 avg.).

Last season, as a compliment to Eddie Lacy Starks six regular-season contests with two starts, missing time due to toe and knee injuries. In total he Rushed for 255 yards and a TD on 71 carries (3.6 avg.) and added four receptions for 31 yards (7.8 avg.).