PAge 6 • MARCH 2021 • THe MiRRoR

Remembering Vincent Jackson – Former NFL WR

By Angel Padilla mance against Florida Atlantic University. He concluded this of Colorado. Staff Reporter season by earning a selection as an FCS All-American and a Many Tampa Bay fans fresh off the team’s second Super school record of 21 . Bowl victory expressed their appreciation and love for Jack- While in college, Jackson was described as quiet and son’s time with the team, with one fan saying that they wore well-mannered, in part to his military upbringing. Jackson Jackson’s #83 jersey during every playoff game and doused it remained approachable to his classmates and spent time with champagne after the big win. giving back to the community by volunteering as a tutor The legacy and impact of Vincent Jackson is one that at Greeley’s Scott Elementary School once a week. Jacksonshould be remembered and looked on with pride for both graduated from UNC in 2004. the state of Colorado and the communities of Colorado “His impact will always be felt throughout our Athletic Springs and Greeley. As his name in the UNC record books Department,” said Darren Dunn, UNC’s athletic director. “He solidifi es his legacy, fi rst year head coach and Denver Bron- will be dearly missed, but not forgotten.” cos legend Ed McCaffrey hopes to emulate Jackson’s success His success on the football fi eld and the impact he had on on the football fi eld this year. such a small program would catapult Jackson into stardom. “Vincent was blessed with great football skills and a com- He was selected 61st overall in the 2005 NFL Draft, the high- passionate heart,” said McCaffrey. “He used those skills to est draft position by a UNC graduate. Jackson was selected by great success on and off the fi eld.” the then San Diego Chargers and spent the fi rst seven years of his professional career with the team. After becoming a free agent in 2012, Jackson signed with the Tampa Bay Buc- caneers. During his stellar 12-year career, The Hillsborough County sheriff’s department in Bran- Jackson earned three selections don, Florida has begun an investigation into the death of for- in a four-year span from 2009 to 2012. mer University of Northern Colorado and NFL Jackson played with the Buccaneers for Vincent Jackson. fi ve seasons before announcing his retire- Jackson’s body was found in his hotel room at the Home- ment in 2016. During his career, Jackson wood Suites hotel a few days after members of the Jackson accounted for over 9,000 receiving yards family fi led for a missing person’s report. According to the and 57 touchdowns on 540 receptions. sheriff’s offi ce news release, Jackson had been living in south During his time in Tampa Bay, Jackson Tampa and had been staying at the hotel since Jan. 11. would set franchise records for receiving His body was found by the hotel housekeeping staff yards in a single game and the longest around 11:30 the morning of Feb. 15. The news release stated single reception in 2012 against the New that no signs of trauma were found. The cause of death re- Orleans Saints. mains unknown. Off the fi eld and during his retirement, Jackson attended school at Widefi eld High School in Jackson spent his time volunteering and Colorado Springs. While there, he participated in varsity giving back to military families in the football, and track. As a senior, Jackson earned a Tampa Bay community with his Jackson Rocky Mountain News All-State honorable mention in addi- In Action 83 Foundation. With his founda- tion to a fi rst-team all-area and all-conference selection for tion, Jackson would create his own section football. After graduating, Jackson accepted a partial schol- of fans in the front row of Raymond James arship to play both football and basketball at UNC. Stadium in Tampa. Jackson would later be Jackson would make his mark at the Greeley school and made an honorary deputy by the Hillsbor- provide some much-needed buzz for the football program. ough County Sheriff’s Offi ce. Jackson made his impact early as a punt returner by scoring Many sports icons and athletes took to on his fi rst return against Adams State College as a fresh- to voice their thoughts and feel- man. Jackson would also earn a starting position on the UNC ings about Jackson and his family, includ- basketball team. ing long-time ESPN commentator Dick Vi- Jackson would go on to become UNC’s leader in recep- tale and current Tampa Bay wide receiver tions, game and season receiving yards, kick and punt return Mike Evans. The Twitter accounts for both yards and receiving touchdowns. The highlights of his senior UNC and the Denver Broncos recognized season included a 13-catch, 249-yard and three score perfor- Jackson’s impact on Greeley and the state Jackson played as wide reciever for the