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Mack Wilson and others pay homage to fallen local legend, Tarvaris Jackson

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. 

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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. 

High school coaches, college coaches, NFL players and analysts would all follow suit, as Jackson was a beacon of positivity for all of them. 

The best wishes of comfort to his family and all he affected for the better.  

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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.

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Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 10+ years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.

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