FOXBORO — In the New England Patriots’ offseason acquisition frenzy earlier this year, there were lots of big names — Adalius Thomas, Randy Moss, Wes Welker — and some not-so-big — Kyle Brady, Eddie Jackson.

A 6-foot, 200-pound cornerback, Jackson was signed even though he tore his ACL late last season while playing for the Miami Dolphins. Before his injury, Jackson had played in all 14 games for the Dolphins, primarily in a special-teams role.

Because of his injury, Jackson began the season on the unable-to-perform list, and was activated to the 53-man roster just before the Patriots’ game in Buffalo last month. He had three special-teams tackles in his debut against the Bills.

As a student-athlete at Arkansas, Jackson competed year-round: when he wasn’t on the turf with the Razorbacks’ football team, he was competing with the school’s top-flight indoor and outdoor track teams.

A former school record-holder in the 60-meter indoor hurdles, Jackson also competed in the long jump, training with Robert Howard, the late former Shea star who became an NCAA champion at Arkansas, and trained at the school after receiving his undergraduate degree and when he returned to attend medical school.

Jackson has designs on returning to the track, at the least when he hits 30, in three years, and can compete at the masters’ level.

Here’s more Up Close with Eddie Jackson.

My first car: Was a 1995 Ford Probe. My daddy bought it for me when I went to college. It didn’t have power steering.

My favorite was to spend the off day: Relaxing on the couch watching game shows. Family Feud is my favorite.

If I was NFL commissioner for a day: I’d take away the fines for chin straps [players can be fined if they don’t have their chin strap fully buckled]. Half the time you don’t realize one side is undone.

The last album I bought: Was Alicia Keys' As I Am. I’m a fan, but it’s not as good as I thought it would be.

My hero: Is my father (Eddie Sr.). He was a single parent and raised four kids. I’m the oldest. I had to help him, starting when I was like 16. I’d cook, do my sisters’ hair. I can make a good meal and do cornrows.

My guilty pleasure: I’m a sucker for fried chicken. I’m not supposed to, but I have to have it.

smanza@projo.com