Scott Grant
By: Sarah Zintel – Ottawa REDBLACKS
Russ Jackson took over as Rough Riders QB in his rookie season, when Americans Hal Ledyard and Tom Dimitroff were injured. Remarkably, he never missed a game because of injury during his 12 seasons with the Rough Riders.
Jackson led the Rough Riders to the playoffs every season he was with them. He completed 1,356 passes for 24,592 yards and 185 touchdowns and was the eastern conference passing leader from 1963 through to 1969.
Under Coach Frank Clair’s tutelage, Jackson became a three-time CFL All Star, a position normally reserved for American quarterbacks. He took home seven Schenley awards, three for most outstanding player (1963, 1966, 1969) and four as the top Canadian (1959, 1963, 1966, 1969). In 1963 he was the first player to ever win both Schenley titles in one season.
The Rough Riders legend retired after winning MVP in the historic 1969 Grey Cup Championship. His jersey is now retired at TD Place in honor of his dedication to Ottawa CFL football.
Jackson was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1973 and the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame in 1975. He has been described as the best Canadian born quarterback to ever play in the CFL.
At the age of 77, the Hamilton native has been a great supporter of the REDBLACKS franchise and in 2014, Canada Post released a Jackson/REDBLACKS stamp in his honour.
To learn more about Ottawa CFL football legends like Jackson, visit the Retired Numbers page and History page.
