The Crazy Californian takes on New York

Bills tight end Sheldon Jackson can't bear locking horns with an opposing linebacker unless his fingernails are done just right. Most football players have pregame rituals that can range from peculiar dietary habits to smashing their heads into a metal locker.

Sheldon Jackson does his nails. And, now he can afford to have them done professionally.

Jackson's color of choice is eggplant purple, and that was what he was wearing on his nails the day the Bills drafted him in the seventh round out of the University of Nebraska. Cornhusker red must be out of style. Jackson started his bizarre pregame ritual last season when a group of friends decided to use his fingernails as a venue for artistic expression. Superstition eventually waded into the picture and the habit stuck according to Jackson.

"A couple of friends did them for me a year ago, just for giggles or whatever," said Jackson. "Next thing you know it's a habit, something to do to pass the time the night before a game.

"When I'm trying to focus on a game and I don't want to be bothered by anybody I'll sit down and do my nails, as funny as that may seem,'' said Jackson. "It calms me down. Other guys listen to music, some guys talk to their girlfriends and some guys call their mothers. I paint my fingernails."

Free spirits like Jackson are great in any clubhouse. By the power of their personalities, they can make the drudgery of training camp a little more bearable. But that can only get a player so far in the hostile world of pro football. Jackson fills a void for the Bills and he comes to Buffalo with a winning background from his years at the football factory in Lincoln.

The Bills need a backup that will push veteran Jay Riemersma to produce more on the field. Jackson caught 19 passes for 343 yards and four touchdowns as a senior. Jackson isn't a lock to make the roster, but he likes the competition and has the reputation of being a hard worker in practice.

"I'm loving the situation," said Jackson. "Take nothing away from the guys in front of me, there are some good players. If I want to make this team I've got show that I can do what these guys do now, at my young age, and maybe a few things better."

Like nails maybe.