Class of 2007
Born: November 19, 1951 in Ozark, Alabama
Category: Football
Jackson signed with the University of Alabama as a split end, the first African-American to sign a football scholarship with the Crimson Tide. In 1973, he was a consensus All-American and an All-SEC halfback in the wishbone offense rushing for 752 yards on 95 carries for a 7.9-yard average. For the 1973 season the Birmingham Monday Morning Quarterback Club honored him with their Outstanding Back Award. In 1974, he was drafted by San Francisco as the 9th player overall. He was named the NFC Rookie of the Year with 895 combined yards. He was traded to the Washington Redskins where he had several fine seasons ending his career with a combined running and receiving total of 5,424 yards. He played on Washington’s 1982 Super Bowl Championship team.
