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“There was nothing he couldn’t do. You couldn’t say he could do this but not do that. He could rush the passer. He could play the run. He could drop into coverage. He could do all those things.” - Jim Mora, former coach

Jackson entered the league in 1981 as a 2nd round pick (51st overall) of the New Orleans Saints, and immediately made an impact. Setting a franchise rookie sack record with an unofficial 8 sacks. Considered by many to be one of the key components in turning the perennial cellar dwelling Saints into contenders in the late 80’s. It didn’t take long for Jackson to establish himself as one of the most feared pass rushers in the league.

“In all those years, the only thing that was able to stop Rickey was a two-ton truck. And that didn’t really stop him. It just slowed him down.” - Stan Brock, former Chargers offensive tackle

Jackson recorded 115 sacks during his 13 seasons with the Saints. 123 if you take into account his 8 sacks as a rookie. As well as forcing 37 fumbles, while recovering 27 fumbles. He recovered a league best 7 fumbles in 1990, and went on to lead the league in fumbles recovered 3 times. While also leading the league in sacks in 87′ and 91′. Helping him earn his way to six NFL pro-bowls.

Jackson is sometimes overshadowed by teammates, and fellow linebackers Pat Swilling and Sam Mills. Which composed what many considered to be one of the best LB cores of all time, and certainly one of the most intimidating. What many tend to forget however is that Rickey Jackson was there first. Putting up the big numbers before the likes of Swilling and Mills arrived.

In 1994 at the age of 36, Jackson left the Saints to join the San Francisco 49ers. In where he would be moved to defensive end and asked to play a strict pass rush role. Despite being on the wrong side of 30, Jackson continued to succeed in rushing the passer. Compiling 13 sacks over two years with the Niners. Though he will always be remembered as one of the greatest and hard nosed linebackers in New Orleans Saints history.

“Pads — I wasn’t about all that. The only time I wore pads was when the NFL made me.” - Rickey Jackson

By Mike, Jabberhead

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