J. R. Niklos

John Russell Niklos II (born, 19 June 1979 in Worthington, Ohio) is an American football fullback who has also played Corner, Safety, Linebacker, Tight End, Fullback, H-Back, and Tailback in his collegiate and professional career. J.R. played High School football and track for Thomas Worthington High School where he was an All American in both Track and Football. J.R. won the indoor track state championship in the 200 and 4x400 and his 4x400 team also won the Ohio state championship and placed second in the nation at the National Championship. He was all state, all region and all district for Football as well as Honorable Mention All American. Safety was his first position as a collegiate athlete, at The Ohio State University. Niklos played one season for the Buckeyes and soon thereafter transferred to Western Illinois University where he was a 3 time All American Tight End. J.R. finished his career at Western Illinois statistically as the top Tight End in W.I.U. history.

Pro career
After college, Niklos went undrafted and signed a free agent contract with the Seattle Seahawks. He was placed on Seattle Seahawks practice squad. The St. Louis Rams moved J.R. to the active roster due to the retirement of former Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch He then was a member of the St. Louis Rams between 2002 and 2005 where Mike Martz labeled him "The Fastest Fullback In The NFL". [9] He then played a season in Germany with NFL Europa and won a World Bowl with the Frankfurt Galaxy. Due to the cancellation of NFL Europa, Niklos returned to the United States, and signed with the Cleveland Browns. Niklos also spent time with the Oakland Raiders and was on Injured Reserve with the Kansas City Chiefs. Now Co-owner of Acceleration Sports Performance in Naperville, Illinois.