Picture this: You’ve won a Super Bowl ring, been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and have a place in the Saints‘ Ring of Honor. You’ve achieved more than most could ever dream of. But there’s still something missing. What is it, you may ask? Well, for Rickey Jackson, it’s graduating from college to attain his college degree.
New Orleans Saints legend and former 49ers footballer played in the association for 15 seasons, 13 of which were for the Saints. Not only is Jackson a legend for the Saints organization but also across the association as a whole. He studied at the College of General Studies, and with his latest endeavors, was able to finally stamp his name into the historical alumni of the School.
Rickey Jackson returns to finish what he started
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Everyone must have the same question in mind. What is Rickey doing at this age? At nearly 65 years of age, the Hall of Famer made up his mind to complete his remaining education and finally close the chapter on his educational journey. With just a couple of history courses left to complete, Jackson was inches away from stamping his name into the cellars of the school.
And so, on April 30, 2023, Jackson finally completed his remaining course to term himself an official college graduate. He joined nearly 2500 other students as they all completed their educational journey together, helping the Sixty-Five year old add perhaps his most important achievement to his resume.
Rickey Jackson’s most prized achievement
Jackson is no stranger to success. Rickey Jackson earned numerous accolades along the way. He was a key member of the Saints’ famed “Dome Patrol” linebacking group and was selected to seven Pro Bowls and five second-team All-Pro selections. He capped off his career by winning a Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers and being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.
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With such a lengthy history of success behind him, what does the veteran feel his greatest personal achievement is? His college degree. And his reasoning is pretty sound.
“I’d put it (degree) up with the Super Bowl and all,” he said. “This is something I achieved personally on my own, so I’d put it right up with that.”
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He saw it as a personal accomplishment, one that he had achieved on his own, without the help of coaches or teammates. Which truly personifies the raw, true to the core, winning nature of the legend, Rickey Jackson.
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