Rickey
Jackson
Meet The Saints Legend Rickey Jackson
Athlete Name: Rickey Jackson
Position: Linebacker
College: Pittsburgh
Birthdate: 3/20/1958
NFL Experience: 15 Seasons
Saints Years: 1981-1993
Records: NFL – best seven fumble recoveries (1990), NFL – high six forced fumbles (1986), Saints All – Time leader in forced fumbles (38) and recoveries (27),single season franchise record for fumble recoveries (7)
Honors: 4x first team All – Pro; 2x second team All – Pro; 6x Pro Bowl selection; Saints 50th Anniversary Team (2016); Saints Ring of Honor (2013); Pro Football Hall of Fame (2010); Saints Hall of Fame (1997); Greater New Orleans Hall of Fame (1999); Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame (1999)
Rickey Jackson was a legendary linebacker who spent the majority of his illustrious career with the New Orleans Saints. Joining the Saints in 1981 after being drafted in the second round (51st overall) out of Pittsburgh, Jackson quickly established himself as one of the premier defensive players in the NFL. Known for his exceptional pass rushing skills and relentless pursuit of opposing quarterbacks, Jackson became the heart and soul of the Saints’ “Dome Patrol” defense. Starting all 195 games of his career, Jackson recorded 1,180 tackles including five 100 plus tackle campaigns, 123 sacks, 38 forced fumbles, 27 fumble recoveries and seven interceptions. Jackson earned numerous accolades, racking up six Pro Bowl selections, four first team All-Pro and two second team All-Pro nods. Jackson played a pivotal role in leading the Saints to their first-ever playoff appearance in 1987 and was a key part of the team’s success during the late 1980s and early 1990s. His leadership both on and off the field earned him respect and admiration from teammates, coaches, and fans alike. In 2010, Rickey Jackson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and in 2013, was selected to the Saints Ring of Honor, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in franchise history and one of the most dominant linebackers of his era.