CANTON, OHIO (AP) - Rickey Jackson is the first New Orleans Saint inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
It’s been quite a year for the franchise that began play in 1967. On Feb. 6, Jackson was elected to the hall. The next day, the Saints beat the Indianapolis Colts for their first NFL championship.
One of the most versatile linebackers in league history, Jackson made six Pro Bowls with a combination of strong run defense and a tenacity that led to 128 sacks. He helped turn New Orleans from ’Aints to a division winner for the first time (1991), and finished his career with the 49ers, winning a Super Bowl in January 1995.
He paid tribute to his presenter, Saints owner Tom Benson, for keeping the team in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, and called on the NFL to avoid any labor stoppages.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.