Professional Football Player. Born Randy Joe Jackson, he attended Atlanta High School (Texas) and Texarkana Junior College, before transferring to Wichita State University. While with the Shockers, he played at the running back position and set a then-record of 212 rushing yards in a single game against Tulsa in 1969. On October 2, 1970, Jackson gained national attention from an off-the-field tragic event. A plane carrying Wichita State's football squad, en route to Utah for a game against Utah State, crashed in the Rocky Mountains, and 31 people aboard perished. Jackson was one of eight passengers who survived. He concluded his collegiate career with all-Missouri Valley Conference honors, and was selected by the Bills during the 4th round of the 1972 NFL Draft. For three seasons (1972 to 1974), he played in the National Football League with the Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles, appearing in 21 games, before suffering a career-ending knee injury. While with Buffalo, Jackson would share playing time with O.J. Simpson. Following his athletic career, he was a middle school teacher and coach until 2008. He died from pancreatic cancer.
Professional Football Player. Born Randy Joe Jackson, he attended Atlanta High School (Texas) and Texarkana Junior College, before transferring to Wichita State University. While with the Shockers, he played at the running back position and set a then-record of 212 rushing yards in a single game against Tulsa in 1969. On October 2, 1970, Jackson gained national attention from an off-the-field tragic event. A plane carrying Wichita State's football squad, en route to Utah for a game against Utah State, crashed in the Rocky Mountains, and 31 people aboard perished. Jackson was one of eight passengers who survived. He concluded his collegiate career with all-Missouri Valley Conference honors, and was selected by the Bills during the 4th round of the 1972 NFL Draft. For three seasons (1972 to 1974), he played in the National Football League with the Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles, appearing in 21 games, before suffering a career-ending knee injury. While with Buffalo, Jackson would share playing time with O.J. Simpson. Following his athletic career, he was a middle school teacher and coach until 2008. He died from pancreatic cancer.
Bio by: C.S.
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