The National Football League lost a high character individual over the weekend; however, the loss pales in comparison to the people of Montgomery, Ala. Residents of the state’s capitol lost a friend, brother, family member and someone who was an example of honest success.
Tarvaris Jackson, a former quarterback, died on Sunday night in a single car crash.
Prior his death, the 36-year-old was a star athlete at Sidney Lanier High School.
RELATED: Former NFL doctor doesn’t understand analysts calling Tua Tagovailoa injury prone
He took his talents to the University of Arkansas, in hopes to dominate the Southeastern Conference at quarterback.
After two seasons with the Razorbacks (2001-02) and falling behind on the depth chart to Matt Jones in the spring of 2003, Jackson transferred back home to Alabama State University.
While historical black colleges are known for their marching bands, Jackson had ASU Stadium packed out every weekend. In his first season, he led the Hornets to an 8-5 record that culminated in a Southwest Athletic Conference (SWAC) Eastern Division title and a trip to the SWAC national title game.
During his second year, Jackson guided ASU to a 10-win campaign and delivered it to first conference championship since 1991 and sixth title overall. He was the Most Valuable Player of the matchup and finished his career with 7,201 passing yards, 63 touchdown passes and 73 total scores. Jackson played 10 years in the National Football League (2006-15) with the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks (twice) and Buffalo Bills.
He was Russell Wilson’s backup in the 2013 season, as Jackson helped the Seahawks capture a Super Bowl championship. Despite only having one 3,000-yard passing season (2011), he was a mentor to so many young players and was the constant professional. In bringing more joy to Montgomery, Jackson returned home in 2018 to be a quality control and quarterbacks’ coach for the Hornets. He would then be hired to work with quarterbacks at Tennessee State in 2019, until his tragic passing. Jackson was the catalyst behind many Montgomery natives attending major collegiate programs and achieving success – including Mack Wilson, Shaun Dion Hamilton and Henry Ruggs III of the University of Alabama.
Wilson, who starred at Carver High School, paid homage to Jackson via social media on Monday.
Rest In Peace to a Legend where I’m from. Paved the way for us young people & did everything the right way. Can’t thank you enough for what you did for our community. ??? #TavarisJackson pic.twitter.com/qoiCUqa7tS
— Mack Wilson (@5mackwilson1) April 13, 2020
High school coaches, college coaches, NFL players and analysts would all follow suit, as Jackson was a beacon of positivity for all of them.
Tarvaris Jackson was my mentor! He played the game with dignity and taught me how to use my MIND ? to manipulate the defense. When my family couldn’t make it to Seattle for holidays, it was TJACK who invited me to his house to celebrate with his family!
— BJ DANIELS (@BJDANIELS10) April 13, 2020
Rest In Peace to a member of our #FAMILY. Tarvaris Jackson was a trail blazer for ASU and the city of Montgomery. He will always be remembered by Hornet Nation and the entire football world. Prayers to his entire family and all of those who are close to him. pic.twitter.com/rZo5VzwkoZ
— Coach Donald Hill-Eley (@CoachEleyASU) April 13, 2020
TJack… you will be missed. Praying for your family…Love you man. ?
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) April 13, 2020
????
— Geno (@GenoSmith3) April 13, 2020
???
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) April 13, 2020
The best wishes of comfort to his family and all he affected for the better.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber only content!*
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
