Published 23 hours ago • loading... • Updated 16 hours ago

Sports Helped Shape Jesse Jackson's Career and Inspired the Ex-Quarterback to Fight for Equal Rights

Updated Feb. 17, 2026: the death of Rev. Jesse Jackson, a civil‑rights leader and presidential candidate, prompted institutional remembrances at North Carolina A&T.
Growing up in Greenville, Jackson starred at quarterback in 1957–58 and accepted a scholarship to Illinois before transferring to North Carolina A&T.
He debuted with North Carolina A&T playing mostly on defense and in 1963 split quarterback duties, including a win with two touchdown passes.
In 1984 North Carolina A&T inducted Jackson into its Hall of Fame for his football accomplishments, following his role as student government president in May.
Many remember Rev. Jesse Jackson for politics, but recent coverage emphasizes his athletic achievements, including playing quarterback at North Carolina A&T and delivering Jackie Robinson's 1972 eulogy.

Insights by Ground AI

26 Articles

Associated Press News

+21 Reposted by 21 other sources

Lean Left

Sports helped shape Jesse Jackson's career and inspired the ex-quarterback to fight for equal rights

The Rev. Jesse Jackson was an athlete from a young age, and throughout his life he immersed himself in the world of sports.

17 hours ago·United States

Read Full Article

The McDowell News

Reposted by

HDR | Hickory Daily Record

Center

As football rivals, Bill Hayes remembers Jesse Jackson's stardom as NC A&T's quarterback

Before he became the civil rights icon and the first Black man to run for president, Jackson developed his reputation on campus playing football for the Aggies in addition to his responsibilities as student government president and activist.

23 hours ago

Read Full Article