Russ Stanley Jackson

Born: July 28, 1936
Place of Birth: Hamilton, Ontario

• Russ Jackson is thought by many to have been the best quarterback who ever played in the Canadian Football League.

• Following high school, he enrolled in McMaster University located in Hamilton.

• Jackson was preparing to become follow a career in Education.

• At university, he excelled both in football and basketball.

• In 1958, Russ Jackson was drafted to play for the Ottawa Rough Riders.

• Jackson, however, wanted to qualify for his Teaching Certificate at the Ontario College of Education.

• As part of his contract, the Rough Riders allowed Jackson to commute from Ottawa to Toronto using an open airline ticket.

• (Editor's Note: At one point, Russ Jackson taught at Rideau High School in Ottawa while playing for the Rough Riders.)

• Jackson shined as a quarterback under special training from a noted football coach, Frank Clair.

• He went on to lead the team to three Grey Cups, emblematic of the league championships.

• As well, Russ Jackson won the Schenley Award for Most Outstanding Player three times.

• Upon retirement from football, he became a teacher and a school principal.

• Russ Jackson received the honour of being appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada.

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Last Updated: February 18, 2011
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