Fred Jackson's release cuts into M&T's marketing

M&T Bank is reviewing a portion of its marketing campaign after a high-profile spokesman and running back for the Buffalo Bills was cut earlier this week.

Former Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson joined M&T Bank about four years after signing a deal to become the official spokesman for the bank's Buffalo Bills checking. The campaign included online videos, social media posts, personal appearances and community events starring the running back.

"As a leader on the Buffalo Bills, in our community and an official partner of M&T Bank, we thank Fred Jackson for his contributions, we congratulate him on his accomplishments, and we wish him the very best in the future," said Chet Bridger, a spokesman for the bank. "Fred will always have a place in our community and in our hearts, and as such we will be looking at our marketing plans going forward."

Jackson, who was cut on Monday, joined as an undrafted free agent in 2006, who worked his way up the ranks to start for the team. He was the first player in 2009 to rush for 1,000 yards and gain more than 1,000 on kickoff returns for the team.

He was also one of the team's most beloved players and was well-known throughout the region for making time to meet with fans. He once joined M&T to donate more than 150 tickets to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo. He has also supported the Buffalo Bills breast cancer awareness and its youth player-safety programs. In 2014, the team honored Jackson as its Walter Payton Man of the Year Award winner for his contributions.

The bank will remain a corporate sponsor of the team, a partnership that dates back to 1985.

TCLAUSEN@DemocratandChronicle.com