The Jacksonville Jaguars claimed running back Natrone Means off waivers from the San Diego Chargers today. Means, 23, had been waived by the Chargers on February 29.
Means, a 5-10, 245-pounder, led the Chargers to Super Bowl XXIX two seasons ago when he rushed for a team-record 1,350 yards. In 1995, he missed six games with a groin injury but still led the Chargers with 730 yards on 186 carries to rank 12th among AFC rushers. He scored five touchdowns rushing.
In 1994, Means was voted the Chargers' Most Valuable Player by his teammates. In addition to his 1,350 rushing yards, he scored 12 touchdowns and had five consecutive 100-yard games and six overall. He also rushed for 241 yards and two TDs in three postseason games.
A second-round draft choice in 1993 out of North Carolina, Means gained 645 yards and scored eight touchdowns as a rookie despite not starting any games. In college, he rushed for more than 1,000 yards as both a sophomore and junior before turning pro a year early. He ranks second on the school's all-time list with 34 touchdowns and fifth with 3,074 rushing yards. Means was named the team's Most Valuable Player as both a freshman and sophomore.
The Conference and County Player of the Year at Central Cabarrus High School in Concord, N.C., Means was a Parade All-American as a senior when he rushed for 2,023 yards and 33 touchdowns. He was born April 26 in Harrisburg, N.C.
The Jaguars now have 72 players on their roster.
