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J.R. Niklos

Once a Leatherneck Always a Leatherneck: J.R. Niklos

| By: WIU Athletic Communications

Known as the Fastest Fullback in the NFL, the former Leatherneck is the current owner of Acceleration Sports Performance.

MACOMB, Ill. - Western Illinois Athletics is excited to begin the first installment of Once a Leatherneck Always a Leatherneck, an alumni spotlight allowing former student-athletes to share how their program and the university prepared them for their professional careers and highlight their professional accomplishments.

In the first edition, we caught up with three-time All-American and All-Missouri Valley Team member, J.R. Niklos. The former Leatherneck tight end was a three-year (1999-01) member of the football team after transferring from Ohio State and went on to have a six-year NFL career. Nicknamed the Fastest Fullback in the NFL, Niklos played a season in NFL Europe and won the World Bowl (Championship) for the Frankfurt Galaxy. 

Currently, he is the owner of Acceleration Sports Performance training facilities in Naperville, Illinois, where they train athletes of all ages, sports, and skill levels to be faster, quicker, and stronger. He has worked with NFL Hall of Fame members Jerry Rice, Randy Moss, Tony Gonzalez, and Marshall Faulk. Niklos resides in Bristol, Illinois, with his wife Andrea and three kids, Hunter, Sadie, and Roman. 
 
  • How did the nickname "The Fastest Fullback in the NFL" come about from Mike Martz?
I was known for my speed as I ran a 4.5 40-yard dash at 225 pounds during my pro day at Western. Traditionally Fullbacks were just an extension of the offensive line and were just used to block. Coach Martz ran a very fast-paced offense, and one of the reasons he liked me was because of the balance between my speed and my size.
  • You played a season for NFL Europe, what was that experience like?
It was an awesome experience. Not only did I get to play the sport I love, I got to travel internationally, meet so many amazing people, and experience so many different cultures. I have played in dozens of NFL stadiums, and the Frankfurt Galaxy stadium was the loudest I've ever played in. Those fans know how to support their team!
  • After transferring to WIU, you made the switch from safety to tight end and still are the most successful TE in program history statistically. What was that transition like, and what helped you become so successful? 
I owe everything to Coach Paterson and Coach Hendrickson. They saw something in me that even I didn't see. The very first month they came on board after Coach Ball left, they moved me from wide receiver to tight end as Coach Patterson said I reminded him of Marv Cook (All-Pro tight end from Iowa). Because they believed in me, it made me always work hard beyond just the requirements. I wanted to prove them right.
  • What is your favorite memory about your time as a Leatherneck on the field and off the field?
Last game of the season vs. Northern Iowa, 2000. We needed to beat them to win the conference championship upright. Mike Scifres kicked the game-winning 56-yard field goal in the final seconds of the game for us to win. Best team win of my life. All 60 of us piled on Mike at the 50-yard line right when he made the kick. I'm surprised he made it out of that pile alive!
  • Do you remember a specific class and/or professor at WIU that you really enjoyed while in school?
I really struggled balancing academics and athletics my first year starting. Mrs. Janice Gates really looked after me and helped me out. She cared for me and really wanted me to be successful on and off the field. Every time I visit Western, she still is the first person I reach out to.
  • What originally attracted you to transfer from Ohio State to Western?
My ultimate goal was to play in the NFL, and I did not see that happening at Ohio State. When I decided to transfer, my dad and I visited Kentucky, Indiana, Northern Iowa, and Western Illinois. On the drive back to Ohio, I specifically remember talking to my dad how Western Illinois was the right place for me. I wanted to play big-time football in a small town atmosphere, in a program that had a winning culture. Western was it.
  • What does it mean to be a Leatherneck?
It means everything to me. A Leatherneck is tough, can push through adversity, and is expected to win despite all odds. 
  • What would be your advice for student-athletes during these unforeseen times? 
To be a successful football player, you have to control what you can control. You can't control the play call, what your teammate/opponent does, what the score is, what the weather is, etc. All you can control is making sure you maximize every opportunity you are given. That is no different for a student-athlete during this time. Gyms are shut down, on-site classes are canceled, and games/practices are postponed. That should not stop you from working. Every day you get better or you get worse, you'll never stay the same. Once this situation is under control, those that are self-motivated, those that are internally driven, will be the ones that come out on top. This is the year the hard worker can surpass those that are talented but only work when it's required of them.
  • How did your college football career help prepare you for life after college? 
College football teaches you so many life lessons. It has made me the man, the father, the husband, the leader, and the friend I am today. I learned the strength of a team can defeat even the most powerful individuals. I learned that in life, you only lose if you quit. In each situation you win, or you learn. Those that are persistent and consistent will always win in the end.
  • Are you still involved with football today? If so, how? 
I coach at Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville, Illinois. I also run Midwest BOOM Football, which is an all-star 7v7 organization that competes all over the country.
  • Was there a teammate or a coach that really took you under your wing? 
Coach Patterson is the coach I hope to become someday. He cares about you not only as an athlete but as a person. I made plenty of mistakes in my college career, and he always had my back and demanded I do better, not out of anger but out of love. I always worked hard when no one was watching just to make him proud. When someone believes in you it is amazing how great you can become as you're not just doing it for yourself anymore.
  • Lastly, what makes Western Illinois so special? 
I came from a huge college where I didn't know my teachers, didn't know my area, and really was only close with my teammates I roomed with. I loved the close-knit connections I developed at Western Illinois. Macomb is the perfect college town that eliminates all distractions to allow you to focus on your academics and athletics. I left Western with the perfect college experience. I got my degree, got a couple of championships rings, and had a great time doing it!
 
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