He has not played a down for Alabama since late October, but Eddie Jackson’s leadership extends far beyond the football field. After a season-ending leg injury left he and the Crimson Tide faithful in tears, the senior defensive back found a way to be an inspiration for his brothers.
Would he rather be playing? Of course. But in Jackson’s case, anyway to lead and keep players in the right frame of mind makes it all worthwhile. During pre-game warm-ups, he stands at midfield on crutches.
Holding a bright smile, Jackson instructs his position group and gives encouraging words to everyone on the sideline. Does he remember his draft stock prior to the injury or the plays he made on defense and special teams? Yes. However, Jackson represents Nick Saban’s “The Process” on a much broader scale.
For him, the picture is bigger than individual glory.
Jackson’s unselfishness made him a permanent team captain going into the College Football Playoff, and he displayed his appreciation for the guys in a message via The Players Tribune.
Addressing the letter “To my brothers”, Jackson captured his favorite moments at Alabama.
From arriving as a three-star recruit in 2013 to guarding fellow Florida native Amari Cooper in practice, he grew into a seasoned veteran. One of favorite memories from this season was watching senior defensive end Jonathan Allen recover a fumble and maneuver for a 75-yard touchdown.
“To watch that big dude rumble 75 yards into the end zone was one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen,” Jackson said. “I was like a fan on the field jumping up and down and laughing like, Oh, my God! I can’t believe this!”
Though he entered fall camp as the team’s third-string punt returner, Jackson quickly realized how good he was and how scoring in multiple ways brings much joy. He recorded two punt returns for touchdowns and averaged 31.6 yards a return, prior to the mishap vs. Texas A&M.
“I loved the feeling I got every time I caught a punt and then looked upfield at all the guys in front of me setting up their blocks perfectly,” Jackson said. “My eyes would get super wide and I would think, Oh baby! That was the best. That’s what made all the practice worth it.”
He was a pivotal component in Alabama’s national championship squad last season, collecting a team-high six interceptions. He’ll be on the field Saturday for the Tide’s CFP semifinal match-up against Washington, yet Jackson has discovered the true meaning of wearing crimson and white.
“Playing at Bama is bigger than winning one national championship,” he said.
“Winning championships is the expectation, but playing here is about becoming the very best possible version of yourself and then showcasing that for the world. If you can do that, all your other goals will fall in line.”
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
The Georgia Dome will house one of Alabama’s influential leaders from its 2013 signing class one last time, as Jackson expects his men to play for him in a push to repeat as national champions.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
