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Earnest Jackson

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Earnest Jackson
No. 41, 43
Position:Running back
Personal information
Born: (1959-12-18) December 18, 1959 (age 65)
Needville, Texas, U.S.
Height:5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Weight:213 lb (97 kg)
Career information
High school:Lamar Consolidated
(Rosenberg, Texas)
College:Texas A&M
NFL draft:1983: 8th round, 202nd pick
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Rushing yards:4,167
Average:3.9
Rushing touchdowns:22
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Earnest Jackson (born December 18, 1959) is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL).[1][2] He was named to the Pro Bowl twice.[1]

Early life and education

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Born in Needville, Texas, Jackson graduated from Lamar Consolidated High School before going to Texas A&M University in 1979.

College football

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In four seasons with the Aggies Jackson had over 2,000 yards from scrimmage and 5 touchdowns. He led the Southwest Conference in rushing yards per attempt in 1981 with 5.8 yards per carry.

Professional career

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Jackson played a total of six seasons in the NFL.[citation needed] He was drafted in the eighth round of the 1983 NFL draft by the San Diego Chargers.[1] He played with the Chargers in 1983 and 1984, when he led the American Football Conference in rushing, with 1,179 yards for the year.[3][1] He earned a starting role in the 1985 Pro Bowl.[1][4] In 1985, he had another 1,000 yard-plus season, this time with the Philadelphia Eagles for 1,028 yards.[3]

His last three NFL seasons were from 1986 to 1988 with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 1986, he was once again a Pro Bowler running for 910 yards and 5 touchdowns. Earnest Jackson ended his career with 4,167 yards on 1059 carries along with 22 touchdowns. He also caught the ball for 695 yards on 87 receptions and 2 touchdowns.

Jackson wore number 43 in Pittsburgh, where it is now unofficially retired for Hall of Fame safety Troy Polamalu.

NFL career statistics

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Legend
Bold Career high
Year Team Games Rushing Receiving
GP GS Att Yds Avg Lng TD Rec Yds Avg Lng TD
1983 SDG 12 0 11 39 3.5 6 0 5 42 8.4 10 0
1984 SDG 16 14 296 1,179 4.0 32 8 39 222 5.7 21 1
1985 PHI 16 11 282 1,028 3.6 59 5 10 126 12.6 25 1
1986 PIT 13 13 216 910 4.2 31 5 17 169 9.9 28 0
1987 PIT 12 9 180 696 3.9 39 1 7 52 7.4 23 0
1988 PIT 12 6 74 315 4.3 29 3 9 84 9.3 24 0
81 53 1,059 4,167 3.9 59 22 87 695 8.0 28 2

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "Earnest Jackson—RB 43". Pittsburgh Steelers 1987 Media Guide. August 1987. pp. 32–33.
  2. ^ Eckel, Mark (July 26, 1986). "Jackson wants to prove his value as a top rusher". The Times. Trenton, New Jersey. Retrieved June 21, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ a b Weisberger, Jed (December 12, 1986). "Earnest's importance appreciated". The Times. Trenton, New Jersey. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
  4. ^ "GAME SUMMARY" (PDF). Library Pro Football Hall of Fame. National Football League. January 27, 1985. Retrieved June 21, 2025.