Former OU All-American Keith Jackson honored with NCAA 25-year award

Former Oklahoma All-American and NFL pro-bowler Keith Jackson is one of six honorees to receive the 2013 NCAA Silver Anniversary Award, which recognizes outstanding former student athletes on the 25th anniversary following the completion of their accomplished college athletic careers.

Jackson is the second former Sooner athlete to receive the award. LeRoy Selmon was similarly honored in 2001. The award was presented to Jackson, a two-time All-American tight end at Oklahoma under coach Barry Switzer from 1984-87, by OU athletic director Joe Castiglione.

"Keith Jackson continues to serve as an exemplary ambassador for the University of Oklahoma," Castiglione said. "While Keith owns a prominent place in OU history for his athletic accomplishments, the work his foundation has done is truly remarkable, helping countless youth overcome daily obstacles in pursuing a high school education.

"Keith believes his opportunities began with his collegiate experience at OU, and he is intent on sharing that with teenagers in his hometown who are willing to make a similar commitment to education," he said.

Jackson was a consensus All-American in 1986 and 1987 and caught 62 passes for 1,470 yards and 14 touchdowns in four seasons playing for OU. The man who acquired the nickname "Boomer Sooner" while he played at Oklahoma averaged over 20 yards per catch in each of his sophomore through senior seasons as a Sooner.

Following his outstanding career at Oklahoma, Jackson went on to play nine years (1988-96) in the National Football League with the Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Dolphins and Green Bay Packers. He was a first-round draft selection, selected 13th overall, by Philadelphia in 1988, and was selected to six Pro Bowls in his NFL career.

Jackson's P.A.R.K Foundation, which stands for Positive Attitude Reaches Kids, was founded by the former OU football star in 1993. The foundation works with high-risk students and provides them the opportunity to further their education by completing high school so they can attend college.

In December 2001, Jackson was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

The NCAA Silver Anniversary Award was established in 1973 and honors six student-athletes every year, recognizing their collegiate accomplishments of 25 years ago Other 2013 honorees included Bob Cottingham (fencer and two-time Olympian, Columbia University), Dylann Duncan Ceriani (volleyball, Brigham Young University), Yolanda "Gail" Devers (three-time Olympic track champion, UCLA), Chad Hennings (college and pro football, Air Force Academy) and Patrick McEnroe (tennis, Stanford).

Jackson currently lives in his hometown of Little Rock, Ark., and serves as the radio color commentator on Arkansas Razorback football games.

For more information on Keith Jackson's P.A.R.K. Foundation, visit PositiveKids.org.