Making an Impact: A Feature Story on Chadron State's Football Star Marvin Jackson
This is the first profile of five individuals being inducted in to the 2017 RMAC Hall of Fame on Friday, July 14 at the Colorado Springs Marriott Hotel. The 1999 University of Nebraska at Kearney Softball Team will also be inducted. Tickets for the Hall of Fame and Awards Banquet can be purchased by clicking here.
It was a Thursday afternoon on October 4, 2001 when RMAC rivals, Chadron State and Nebraska-Kearney kicked off a football game at Foster Field, which ultimately began a young cornerback’s career.
Chadron State took an early 7-0 lead with 2:53 to play in the first quarter, thanks to a 92-yard interception returned for a touchdown by Chadron State’s own Marvin Jackson.
The Eagles would score 12 more points to lead 19-14 with 7:07 left in the third quarter. As the clock wound down to 4:28, UNK advanced to their 34-yardline, but the Eagles’ defense prevented the Lopers from gaining anymore yardage during the second down. On the third down, Marvin would earn his second pick-six of the game, returning the ball 44-yards to help the Eagles win 26-14.
From that day forward, Marvin Jackson would develop into one of greatest football players in the RMAC.
Marvin was a late bloomer heading into high school. It was not until his junior and senior year at East High School in Cheyenne, Wyoming, when his dedication and work ethic earned him the recognition he deserved.
“What made him such a great football player [was] the lack of recruitment,” said older brother Jonath. “[It] kind of put a chip on his shoulder and he wanted to go out and prove to people that he was a great player.”
Jackson continued playing football at Chadron State from 1999 to 2003. He was the Eagles’ first student-athlete to earn First Team All-RMAC honors in four consecutive years. In addition, he received All-West Region honors three times and was an All-American in 2002 and 2003.
His skills as a cornerback and kickoff return specialist led Chadron State to two RMAC Co-Championship titles and two NCAA Division II playoff games.
“He wasn’t scared of anything. Marvin was one of the most aggressive players I’ve ever seen and with his position especially on defense, you had to be…He had no fear,” stated Jonath. “He wanted to hit you as hard as he could and wanted to intercept any pass and when he stepped on the football field, he had a whole different attitude and whenever he touched the ball in kick return, he thought he could score and a lot of times he did.”
Jackson currently holds the program and RMAC record for most career pass interceptions with 22, four of which he returned for touchdowns. He also broke up 45 more passes and accumulated 207 tackles (170 unassisted), forced nine fumbles and recovered four throughout his career for the Eagles.
“A lot of what he will be remembered for is what he did on the football field, but what he has accomplished since his playing days have been over, has been equally or more impressive than what he did on the football field. We are all proud of Marvin, of the person he has become.”
The 2017 RMAC Hall of Fame and Awards Banquet will be held at the Colorado Springs Marriott Hotel on Friday, July 14.