Bills running back, a.k.a. “Action Jackson” is one NFL player that has earned his nickname. Not only is Jackson a breakout player on the field he has repeatedly been recognized for his actions off the field.
Jackson is among the team’s most active participants in supporting community programs and charities since joining the team in 2006. “Buffalo is home for my family and as a family we want to help the people where we live,” says Jackson. “The community shows great support for us in coming out to watch us play and we believe it is important to say thank you by giving back to them.”
For the past several years, Jackson and his family have been an active supporters of WNY United Against Drug and Alcohol Abuse. He participated in the Red Ribbon Rally, where he encouraged students to “Join the Drug Free Team.” He took part in a game of Drug Jeopardy, where his knowledge of drug abuse and ways to abstain was tested. Over 600 Pre-K through eighth grade students at Buffalo Public School #91, teachers and friends of prevention participated in the event.
Jackson and his family have also volunteered their time at the WNY United Family Fun Day Event. For the past three year he has spent a day in May at the autograph table and spending time with the fans in attendance that are supporting local substance abuse prevention programs.
This years Family Fun Day will be held on Sunday, May 29 starting at noon at the Coca-Cola Field in Downtown Buffalo. For $8, you can play in the “kid’s zone” which contains Buffalo Bills, autograph table, games, inflatable attractions, arts & crafts, face painting…and much more! Guests will receive a lunch voucher and a game ticket. The event is taking place as the Bisons baseball game is being played, giving families an option of playing or watching the game. For more information visit www.wnyunited.org
Jackson says, “He hopes to inspire kids to follow their dreams. If you work hard and focus the only person that can stop you is you.”
His actions come from personal experience. The Texas, native was overlooked as an NFL prospect, after graduating in 2003 from Division III Coe College in Iowa with a degree in sociology and a four-year football letter that included 29 touchdowns. Jackson began a community-focused career as a youth counselor with the Boys and Girls Club but never gave up on his dream to play professional football. In 2005 Jackson set several records in the United Indoor Football League before moving on to NFL Europe and then signing with the Bills practice squad in 2006. He made his first career start with the Bills against the Washington Redskins in 2007.
It was his mother Jackson says that helped him understand the importance of community. He says his mother taught him “to work hard and take care of others and remember those that helped you.” This is a lesson that Jackson has really taken to heart.
In addition to his work with WNY United, Jackson is a contributing member of the Buffalo Bills community ticket program. As a part of this program, Jackson’s generosity enables numerous guests from Carly’s Club (supporting kids and cancer research) to attend Bills home games. He is a spokesperson of the Bills “Billieve” breast cancer awareness campaign and is involved with a number of other charities.
Last year Jackson was voted as the Walter Payton Man of the Year for his off the field activities. The award honors players who have demonstrated an outstanding balance between their civic and professional responsibilities.
On the field Jackson is the first player in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards and have 1,000 kick return yards in the same season. In 2009, Jackson was named to the USA Today All-Joe Team for his quality play. After Week 10 of the 2010 NFL Season, he was named Fedex Ground Player of the Week.
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