GAINESVILLE, Fla. — University of Florida football head coach Urban Meyer announced the hiring of former Gator Great Terry Jackson to the Gator football staff Monday. Jackson, a member of UF’s 1996 National Championship team and seven-year veteran of the National Football League, was named Director of Player and Community Relations.
“Terry is a great addition to our football staff,” Meyer said. “He is someone who is very committed and loyal to The Gator Nation and a great ambassador for our football program. He will be a tremendous mentor, leader and role model for our players. He has excelled at every endeavor – from serving as Student Body Vice- President and playing on the 1996 National Championship to his career in the NFL. He is deeply rooted in the local community and we are excited to have him join our staff.”
A native of Gainesville, Jackson played in 36 games in his collegiate career with 16 starts. He also played in the 1996 Fiesta Bowl, 1997 Sugar Bowl and started the 1999 Orange Bowl. Jackson had 321 career carries for 1,794 yards (5.6 avg.) and 17 touchdowns. He also had 59 career receptions for 645 yards (10.9 avg.) and four touchdowns. Jackson lettered at Florida from 1995-98 after a redshirt year in 1994.
“It is an honor to come back and work at my alma mater,” said Jackson. “I’ve been fortunate enough to grow up in Gainesville and have a chance to live out all of my childhood dreams, from playing for the Gators and winning a national championship to playing in the NFL. Coming back to work with the University of Florida football program has also been a dream of mine.”
Jackson graduated from Florida in December of 1998 following an outstanding academic career. He was named to the 1998 GTE Academic All-America Second Team and was a four-time SEC Academic Honor Roll selection. He received an Outstanding Senior Leadership Award from the University upon graduation and was the Student Body Vice-President for the 1998-99 academic year.
Following his career at UF, Jackson was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 1999 NFL Draft in the fifth round (157th overall). He remained with the franchise through the 2005 season.
At P. K. Yonge, Jackson was a versatile performer who garnered first-team all-state (2A) honors as a defensive back in 1993. He registered 99 tackles (63 solo) with two interceptions on defense, while rushing for 572 yards (7.4 per carry) with five touchdowns, as well as 14 catches for 183 yards as the squad’s fullback.
Jackson’s father, Willie Sr., played football at UF from 1969-71, as did his brother, Willie Jr., from 1990-92.