There is a growing rift between Rams fans and RB Steven Jackson over some comments he made about the hometown fans who sold their tickets last year to visiting Steelers and Packers fans. He's an outspoken young man, and I admire him for speaking out against what he perceives to be wrong. The Rams were putrid last season, and I haven't seen a lot of fire coming out of anyone else's nostrils.

Sometimes you need a guy like Jackson to stir things up. Not only is he talented, he's outspoken and intelligent. He says what needs to be said. I think the coaches would still call him a "locker-room guy" despite his rants. He's not saying anything that isn't true, as Post-Dispatch columnist Bryan Burwell points out.

It's going to be very interesting to see what Jackson does this season in a contract year. And for that matter, it will be interesting to see how the Rams play things. With Jackson reportedly being let go by agent Gary Uberstine -- how's that for a reversal of roles? -- before he hits the open market, there might not be a ton of time for Jackson's new agent, whoever it might be, to get something done before camp. And a lot of players prefer not to have their agents negotiate during the season, not wanting to be distracted with numbers talk.

No matter what, you know Jackson will be an interesting man to follow this summer and fall. I believe he'll bounce back with a big season, even with the Rams' offense in questionable shape, especially up front. But it might be the off-field stuff with Jackson that is the most intriguing. Will fans endorse the move if he gets, say, a $70 million deal? Keep an eye peeled ...