Eddie Jackson, the esteemed President of the 220 Quarterback Club and a revered member of the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Sports Hall of Fame, has passed away, leaving a significant void in the hearts of Rattler Nation and the broader FAMUly. Jackson, a 1964 graduate of FAMU, was a pillar of the community, known for his dedication to the university’s athletics and his unwavering support for its student-athletes. His passing marks the end of an era for many who had the privilege of knowing him and benefiting from his extensive contributions to the world of college sports.
Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, Eddie Jackson moved to Tallahassee to attend FAMU, where he quickly became an integral part of the university’s fabric. As a student, Jackson served as the editor of the 1966 Rattler yearbook and contributed to the FAMUAN, the university’s newspaper. His involvement in student media set the stage for a lifelong commitment to promoting and supporting FAMU’s athletic programs.
In 1966, Jackson began his professional career at FAMU as the director of sports information. His first major accomplishment came that same year when the College Sports Communicators, then known as CoSIDA, ranked his football media guide as the eighth-best in the nation. This achievement was a testament to Jackson’s exceptional skills in public relations and his dedication to elevating FAMU’s athletic programs on a national stage.
Throughout his career, Jackson worked alongside several legendary figures, including the iconic FAMU football coach Alonso “Jake” Gaither. Under Jackson’s leadership, the public relations department at FAMU flourished, earning national recognition. In 1992, the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education awarded FAMU the Silver Medal Award for Overall News and Information programs, ranking it second only to UCLA. This accolade underscored Jackson’s ability to position FAMU as a leader in collegiate athletics communication and public relations.
Jackson’s contributions to FAMU extended beyond the athletics department. Following FAMU’s selection as the TIME Magazine and Princeton Review College of the Year in 1997, then-FAMU President Frederick S. Humphries recognized Jackson’s invaluable efforts by awarding him the university’s first Presidential Award and naming him Employee of the Year in 1998. These honors highlighted Jackson’s profound impact on the university and his commitment to its mission.
Over the span of 39 years, Jackson held various influential positions at FAMU, including vice president for university relations, director of placement and career counseling, and director of university public relations. In each role, he demonstrated a relentless dedication to the university and its students, helping to shape the careers of countless individuals and fostering a supportive and thriving academic community.
Jackson’s legacy continued even after his retirement in 2002. He authored a 251-page book titled “Coaching Against The Wind,” which captured the inspirational careers of six men who believed in the power of football as a complement to academic study and a symbolic game that helps student-athletes succeed beyond the college campus. This work reflected Jackson’s enduring passion for FAMU and his belief in the transformative power of sports.
Eddie Jackson’s passing has elicited an outpouring of grief and tributes from the FAMU community and beyond. Colleagues, friends, and former students have shared heartfelt memories of Jackson’s kindness, dedication, and the significant influence he had on their lives. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages celebrating his life and mourning his loss, underscoring the deep impact he had on so many.
As the President of the 220 Quarterback Club, Jackson played a pivotal role in supporting FAMU’s football program. His leadership and vision helped to enhance the experience of student-athletes and foster a sense of community and pride among fans and supporters. His commitment to the club and its mission was unwavering, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who were part of this close-knit group.
Eddie Jackson’s family has expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support and love shown by the community during this difficult time. They have been touched by the many stories of how Jackson’s work and personality impacted so many lives, providing comfort and solace amidst their grief.
The legacy of Eddie Jackson will live on through the countless lives he touched, the programs he built, and the community he nurtured. His contributions to FAMU and the broader world of college athletics will be remembered as a testament to his talent, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
The details of Eddie Jackson’s memorial service will be shared by his family in the coming days. Friends, fans, and colleagues are expected to gather to celebrate his life, sharing memories and honoring his enduring legacy. It will be a time to reflect on the incredible journey of a man whose life was defined by service, dedication, and a profound love for his university and its students.
Eddie Jackson’s passing is a significant loss for FAMU and the wider community, but his legacy will continue to inspire. His work, his kindness, and his strength have left a lasting impression on all who knew him. As we remember Eddie Jackson, we celebrate a life well-lived, filled with dedication, service, and an unyielding spirit.
Rest in peace, Eddie Jackson. Your legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of those you touched.
