And, after testing the veteran slotback's pout level in 2011, the B.C. Lions are glad to have him back as they try to defend their miraculous Grey Cup title. So Jackson, a 31-year-old Vancouver native, has signed on for a 10th CFL season.

"Any time you're offered a contract from Wally (Buono, the team's general manager), it feels good, because he knows talent and it shows he believes in you again," Jackson said in a telephone interview Monday.

Buono's belief in Jackson was not always evident last season, when the GM also served as coach. Jackson played primarily as a backup and briefly on special teams as the Lions made their unprecedented run from worst to first after five losses to start the season. He recorded just seven receptions for 117 yards, including a 51-yard touchdown strike against the Edmonton Eskimos in Week 17.

As the Lions celebrated their Grey Cup win over Winnipeg on a confetti-strewn midfield last November and Jackson engaged congratulatory handshakes, he decided that he would like to have another go with the Lions. When players packed up their belongings a day later, his future looked anything but certain, especially after he had been asked during his last contract to take a pay cut, but the club decided to reward the occasionally outspoken Jackson for keeping mum about his lack of playing time.

Buono and Benevides also considered that he had undergone arthroscopic knee surgery in each of the previous two off-seasons.

"His body wasn't letting him perform to the level that he wanted it to," said Benevides.

He praised Jackson, who had two catches for 43 yards, including one for 30 yards in the Grey Cup win, for showing a tremendous amount of maturity, leadership and character and not sulking as the Lions faced the ordeal of turning their season around.

"I'm really happy for him because, as I said to the guys, he's a veteran that can bring leadership to a young core," said Benevides.

Jackson's signing was also meaningful to Benevides, a former assistant coach who has also played an active role in the team's Canadian scouting. The receiver was the first player Benevides and Buono selected in the CFL draft (sixth overall) for B.C. after they arrived from the Calgary Stampeders in 2003. Jackson has spent his entire career with the Lions.

Jackson signed for a year and an option. He's grateful for another chance to play for B.C. - and having plenty of more time to work out after two difficult off-seasons.

"When you've never had an injury or a surgery or anything like that, you don't really know how to rehab it, and that was the case with me," he said.

After taking a pay cut in his last deal, Jackson received a higher base salary along with several "incentives" that could raise his pay further. Having more time to train in a surgery-free off-season, he hopes to have a strong 2012 and get back to the six figures he used to earn.

But more pay is not his primary motive.

"When you're playing in the CFL, it's not like you're playing for money," said Jackson. "You play for the love of the game. That's what I'm doing."

Although the Lions have Geroy Simon and Arland Bruce ticketed for slotback posts, Jackson is determined to fight for a starter's spot. Although his chances of succeeding appear slight, Benevides would not want a player to think any other way.

But Benevides said Jackson will not only be counted upon at slotback. He can also be used as a wideout or in another role in the Lions' motion-filled backfield.

"He has a very good understanding of our offence and what we do we do offensively that enables our dynamic offence to stay active and not lose a step," said Benevides.