Rickey Jackson

Rickey Jackson

During his time at Pitt, Rickey Jackson played as a dominant defensive end, consistently causing trouble for opposing offenses. Jackson's aggressive style of play led to 290 career tackles, with a notable 137 tackles during his senior year in 1980, contributing to Pitt's top-ranked defense that season. As a starter in his final two seasons, Jackson played a crucial role in Pitt's success, helping the team achieve a remarkable 22-2 record and two Top-10 national finishes. In 1980, Pitt's team was even ranked as the nation's top team by The New York Times computer poll. Drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the 1981 NFL Draft, Jackson went on to enjoy a remarkable 15-year career in the NFL from 1981 to 1995. Throughout his NFL career, Jackson ranked among the league's top players in various defensive categories, including sacks, fumble recoveries, and forced fumbles. He earned six Pro Bowl honors and was selected as first-team All-Pro four times. Jackson's final two seasons were with the San Francisco 49ers, leading to a victory in Super Bowl XXIX against the San Diego Chargers. Jackson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame in 2022.

Rickey Jackson. Pittsburgh Panthers. (n.d.). https://pittsburghpanthers.com/honors/pitt-athletics-hall-of-fame?hof=35

University of Pittsburgh