Jerome Felton

Jerome Jean-Marie Felton (born July 3, 1986) is an American football fullback for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Furman University, and was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He has also played for the Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts.

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.

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 Detroit.

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 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 dollar contract.