Russ Jackson facts for kids
| No. 12 | |
.jpg)
Jackson with the Ottawa Rough Riders in 1969
|
|
| Born: | July 28, 1936 Hamilton, Ontario, Canada |
|---|---|
| Career information | |
| Position(s) | Quarterback |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Weight | 195 lb (88 kg) |
| University | McMaster |
| CFL Draft | 1958 / Round: 1 / Pick: 6 |
| Drafted by | Ottawa Rough Riders |
| Career history | |
| As coach | |
| 1975–1976 | Toronto Argonauts (HC) |
| As player | |
| 1958–1969 | Ottawa Rough Riders |
| Career highlights and awards | |
|
|
| CFL All-Star | 1966, 1968, 1969 |
| CFL East All-Star | 1962, 1963, 1966–1969 |
| Honours |
|
| Retired #s | Ottawa Rough Riders #12 Ottawa Redblacks #12 |
| Career stats | |
|
|
Russell Stanley Jackson, born on July 28, 1936, is a famous former Canadian football player. He played his whole 12-year career with the Ottawa Rough Riders in the Canadian Football League (CFL).
Jackson is a member of the Order of Canada, the Canadian Football Hall of Fame, and Canada's Sports Hall of Fame. Many say he's the best Canadian quarterback ever in the CFL. In 2006, he was named one of the top 50 CFL players of all time by TSN. He was ranked #8, the highest Canadian-born player on the list!
Contents
Early Life and University Football
Jackson grew up in Hamilton, Ontario, and went to Westdale Secondary School. He was a great athlete in high school.
After high school, he went to McMaster University. He was amazing at both basketball and football there. In 1958, he earned a degree in Mathematics. He was even considered for a special scholarship called the Rhodes Scholarship. But he chose to play professional football instead.
Russ Jackson's Pro Football Career
The Ottawa Rough Riders picked Russ Jackson in the first round of the 1958 CFL draft. He was the sixth player chosen overall. He started as a halfback, but soon became the team's main quarterback.
He led the Rough Riders to win three Grey Cup championships. These big wins happened in 1960, 1968, and 1969.
A Star Quarterback in the 1960s
Russ Jackson was the best quarterback in the CFL during the 1960s. People even called him the "Y. A. Tittle of the North." He won many awards during his time in the CFL.
- He won the CFL's Most Outstanding Player Award three times (in 1963, 1966, and 1969).
- He also won the CFL's Most Outstanding Canadian Award four times (in 1959, 1963, 1966, and 1969).
- He was named an All-Star quarterback for the Eastern Conference six times.
- He was a CFL All-Star quarterback three times (in 1966, 1968, and 1969).
Jackson's Legacy and Records
Russ Jackson was added to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1973. Many people believe he is one of the greatest Canadian-born players in CFL history. Most agree he is the best Canadian to ever play quarterback.
He finished his career with impressive stats:
- He threw for 24,593 yards.
- He completed 1,356 passes.
- He threw 185 touchdowns.
- He also ran for 5,045 yards and scored 54 touchdowns on the ground.
Russ Jackson is the only Canadian-born quarterback to throw for over 10,000 yards in the CFL. He also holds a Grey Cup record for throwing four touchdowns in one game (in the 1969 Grey Cup).
Life After Football
After he stopped playing football, Russ Jackson did many different things.
Teaching Career
Jackson was a math teacher even while playing football, from 1959 to 1961. He later became the head of the Math Department at Rideau High School in Ottawa. He was also a principal at several high schools in Ottawa and Mississauga.
Sports Broadcasting
From 1971 to 1973, and again from 1977 to 1980, Jackson worked as a TV commentator for CFL games on CBC. He also commented on Hamilton Tiger-Cats games on the radio from 1996 to 2001.
Coaching the Toronto Argonauts
For two years, in 1975 and 1976, Jackson was the head coach for the Toronto Argonauts. His team won 12 games, lost 18, and tied 2 during his time as coach.
Special Honours
Russ Jackson has received many honours for his amazing career and contributions:
- He is an Officer of the Order of Canada.
- In 1989, McMaster University gave him an honorary law degree.
- He was added to Canada's Walk of Fame in 2012.
- The Russ Jackson Award was created in his honour in 1986. This award goes to a university football player who is great at sports, academics, and being a good citizen.
- He was inducted into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in 1995.
