Introduction
Bernard Frank Jackson (born August 24, 1950 – May 26, 1997) was an American football defensive back who played for three National Football League teams. He was the 81st pick in the 1972 NFL draft, selected by the Cincinnati Bengals as a defensive back. After five years, he was traded to the Denver Broncos in March 1977, and was a starter, including Super Bowl XII.
College career
As a collegiate player at Washington State in the Pac-8, Jackson was a running back and kick returner for head coach Jim Sweeney During his senior season in 1971, he rushed for 1,189 yards on 177 attempts (6.7 avg, 1st in Pac-8) and was named to the All-Coast team.
A 1968 graduate of Dorsey High School in Los Angeles, he had dreamed of playing for the USC Trojans, but was just 160 lb (73 kg) and began his college career at Pierce College in Los Angeles.
Professional career
Denver Broncos
Jackson was traded to the Denver Broncos in March of 1977. In his first season with the Broncos, they earned an appearance in Super Bowl XII. Jackson started the game. The Broncos lost to the Dallas Cowboys by a score of 27-10.
Injured with a muscle bruise for much of the 1980 season, he was waived in late November by Denver and picked up by the San Diego Chargers.
Death
He died of liver cancer at age 46 in Lompoc, California, and is buried at its Evergreen Cemetery.