winklogo200.png

Rickey Jackson the Legendary Versatile...

Football Hall of Fame | Rickey Jackson the Legendary Versatile Linebacker

The 1922 Rose Bowl
Celebrate 2 of the top Gridiron Coaches in history in the latest Pigskin Dispatch book

When Greasy Met the Wonder Coach

Greatest Pro Team
Who was the MOST DOMINANT team in Pro Football History? We have the answer in the latest Pigskin Dispatch book

The World's Greatest Pro Gridiron Team

FREE Daily Sports History
You are only seconds away from receiving the Pigpen's Newsletter everyday filled with new items

SUBSCRIBE BY CLICKING _________________________  

Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrined Player

A select few NFL players are selected to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. This museum and its content stands as a monument to the gridiron greats, their enshrinement a testament to their lasting impact on the sport.

By honoring these legends, we gain a deeper appreciation for the history and evolution of professional football. Each Hall of Famer represents a specific era, their stories chronicling the game's transformation from its rugged beginnings to the modern marvel it is today. From the early days of Vince Lombardi's coaching genius to the aerial acrobatics of Joe Montana, these players embody the innovation and athletic development that have shaped the game. By celebrating their achievements, we celebrate the rich tapestry of professional football, ensuring that the incredible feats of the past continue to inspire future generations. We are proud to help the Hall to salute these gridiron greats with bios and stories of what made them special in the arena of football history and their impact on the game.


Rickey Jackson the Legendary Versatile Linebacker

Born on March 20, 1958, in Pahokee, Florida, Rickey Jackson's journey to football immortality began with a foundation built on raw talent and relentless drive.

Rickey was a brilliant linebacker of the University of Pittsburgh and with the NFL's Saints and 49ers.

College Career:

Jackson's collegiate career unfolded at the University of Pittsburgh, where he honed his skills as a dominant linebacker. He became a key defensive force for the Panthers, showcasing his exceptional athleticism and aggressive playing style. While his college statistics weren't as widely tracked as they are today, his impact on the team was undeniable. His performances at Pitt laid the groundwork for his future success in the NFL, demonstrating his ability to disrupt offenses and make game-changing plays.  

Road to the Pro Game:

Jackson's talent caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his selection by the New Orleans Saints in the second round, 51st overall, of the 1981 NFL Draft. This pick proved to be a masterstroke for the Saints. In his rookie year, Jackson immediately made his presence felt, recording 8 sacks and leading the team in tackles—an impressive feat that foreshadowed his stellar career.  

Football Legacy:

Rickey Jackson's legacy is etched in the annals of NFL history as one of the most dominant linebackers of his era. He was a cornerstone of the Saints' defense for 13 seasons, transforming them from perennial underachievers to a formidable unit. His relentless pursuit of quarterbacks and his ability to make crucial tackles made him a nightmare for opposing offenses. He finished his career with two seasons playing defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers, adding to his impressive resume. Jackson's impact extended beyond his individual statistics; he was a leader on and off the field, inspiring his teammates with his work ethic and dedication. He was a key part of the "Dome Patrol," one of the most feared linebacker corps in NFL history.  

Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats:

-Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2010)

-4x First-team All-Pro selections

-6x Pro Bowl selections

-NFL 1980s All-Decade Team

Career Stats:

-128 sacks (official NFL stat, but he also had 8 in his rookie year before sacks were officially tracked)  

-8 interceptions

-1 safety

-Numerous tackles and forced fumbles, though official counts were not as consistent in his era.

Rickey Jackson in 2010 was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Preserving Gridiron History in a New Way!
Enjoy football history with some challenging word puzzle fun

The Pigskin Dispatch Football Word Search

Proud to Support The Professional Football Researchers Association
To learn more about joining the fun in preserving football history go to The Official PFRA Website. _________________________
We have placed some product links on this page. If you purchase by clicking on them, we will get a commission to use to help with operating costs.

Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer
We invite you to take a ride through 1920's sports history in the audio drama that takes the listener through the sounds and legendary events of the era through the eyes of a young newspaper journalist. You will feel like you were there! Brought to you by Number 80 Productions and Pigskin Dispatch _________________________

Sports History Network
A Proud Partner in the Headquarters of Sports Yesteryear, SHN. _________________________

Sports Jersey Dispatch
If you like remembering players of the NFL by their numbers then you may also enjoy going uniform number by number in other team sports as well. We have it for you on our other website in baseball, basketball, hockey and more on the Sports Jersey Dispatch. _________________________

Bears versus Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry
Author Joe Ziemba the master historian of football in Chicago has released another beauty. It is titled Bears versus Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry. _________________________