TAMPA, Fla. – Darrell Jackson followed being named a first-team All-SEC performer with the Gators in 1999 with a nine-year NFL career that resulted in 499 receptions and a trip to the Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks following the 2005 season.
Despite the collegiate and professional accomplishments and accolades, there is one moment three decades ago that stands out loud and proud to this day.
“One of the best achievements of my life was bringing the state title to Tampa Catholic,” said Jackson when meeting with the media Wednesday evening at the Tampa Sports Club Hall of Fame induction banquet.
Jackson scored 18 points in helping lead the Crusaders over Saint Andrew’s School (Boca Raton) to capture the 3A state basketball title in 1995. He was pretty good on the gridiron as well. Jackson set what were then-national prep records for career receiving yards (4,594) and average yards per catch (24.1).
“I never was going to play football,” he said. “I went to play basketball at Tampa Catholic. They saw something in me and the rest is history.”
Jackson was part of state history in 2007 when he was named to the Florida High School Athletic Association’s “All-Century Team.’’
“Kids, Kids, Kids”
As a father of four — three in college and one in high school — who were or are currently involved with athletics, and working as an athletic director with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington (D.C.), Jackson is busy “looking after kids, kids, kids.”
Though he attended UF at a far, far, far different time in collegiate athletics, Jackson knows the ropes. He educates aspiring college athletes on what to expect and how to best handle any number of situations that might arise.
“Stay focused, stay grounded, believe in yourself, and keep pushing,” the 47-year-old said of the message he disseminates. “The doors will open, and when they’re cracked open, make sure you’re ready to take full advantage of any opportunities given to you.”
If indeed those doors should open wide, one best not deviate from said message, especially the part about being grounded.
“Make sure you just stay low and keep moving,” he said.
2026 Gators
Four of the last five seasons in Gainesville resulted in sub-.500 finishes. The last time that happened was the 1940s. It is a stretch that, of course, is light years removed from the success that had long been the norm at UF. That includes Jackson’s three seasons (1997-99) with the Gators when they went a combined 29-8 under Steve Spurrier and a pair of top five showings in the final AP poll.
Jackson seems like the direction under new coach Jon Sumrall, who arrived from Tulane.
“Every school goes through ups and downs, but I think we’re headed in the right direction with the new coaching staff,” he said. “We got a new flavor, we’ve got some players through (the portal), but I think we have a shot. We do play in a tough conference, the SEC, but who wants it to be easier than that?”
READ: Amenities At USF’s New On-Campus Stadium Will Include The State’s Longest Rooftop Bar
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