Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Jackson talks about responsibility, honor

Most people know Keith Jacksons famous voice as one of those that offers play-by-plays of the Arkansas Razorbacks. Some know that he played on professional football teams including the Miami Dolphins.

Jacksons professional life is undoubtedly something he could be proud of, but he said theres still some accomplishments waiting for him.

If I ever am defined because I caught a pass ... that would be a sad case, Jackson said.

Jackson talked about those who founded America.

They wanted to be known because they stood for something, he said.

Jackson was guest speaker at the Prescott-Nevada County Chamber of Commerces 2007 banquet. The theme for the evening was Tailgating with the Chamber and sports was among the hot topics being discussed.

Jackson began by recounting his time with the late Paul Eels. He cited the professionalism and called Eels the nicest guy youll ever meet.

Jackson then turned his attention to societal changes and said that, Somethings happening in Arkansas.

He said that people are coming together for common causes. He said he continually asks himself, What can I do to make a difference in my community. He then told the story of a man who had pledged $1,000 to Jacksons ministry - a tutoring and mentoring program in Little Rock. He said the man was ill and was literally on his way to the hospital, but insisted that he stop to give Jackson the pledged donation.

One important social change, according to Jackson, is that people dont stand by their word.

Jackson said members of his family had sayings to indicate that they truly meant what they said.

If I tell you a duck can pull a truck, shut up and hook him up, Jackson said, recounting a saying of his grandmother.

It took a long time to understand, Jackson admitted. Weve changed the way we do things and its enticed a whole generation of people to change their values.

Discipline - or a lack of it - is at the core of that issue, Jackson said. He cited the coaching methods of decades ago compared with those of today. Jackson said that his coaches sat players who needed to improve on the benches.

And they worked harder, he said.

Jackson said that parents of players who arent getting to play today would confront the coaches and demand that their children have a chance to perform - even if they didnt complete the required training.

Jackson said that children today are also likely to tell their parents for these actions they feel to be unjust. By comparison, Jackson said that his generation begged coaches, teachers and even the parents of friends not to tell his parents of his wrong-doings. He cited times when the mother of a friend would whip everybody when the neighborhood children were out of line.

Jackson said hes learned that there are two kinds of people - builders and wreckers. He said he strives to be a builder and challenged those present to find that desire within themselves as well.