Marcus Jackson was a pretty darn good football player at Idaho State. He was an all-Big Sky Conference defensive back, made some All-American teams, and was looking forward to a professional football career. In fact, there were NFL scouts in the Holt Arena press box one September night in 1996, on hand to watch Marcus play against Montana-Western.
Unfortunately, Marcus' life changed forever that night. Coming up to make a tackle on Bulldogs' running back Paul Snow near the sideline of the south side of the Holt Arena field, Snow's knee struck Jackson's head, causing it to snap back violently, breaking two vertebrae in Jackson's neck.
Marcus has been paralyzed from the chest down ever since.
So while Marcus' outstanding football career at ISU, and maybe one that continued in the NFL, might have eventually qualified him for enshrinement in the ISU Ring of Honor, it is what Marcus has done off the field since his devastating injury that merits permanent recognition. Idaho State Athletic Director Pauline Thiros is honored to announce that Marcus Jackson will become the 23rd former ISU athlete or team to be honored in the Ring of Honor, which is permanently displayed around the upper sections of Holt Arena. Jackson will be formally inducted during ceremonies between the first and second quarters of the Homecoming football game with Northern Colorado on Sept. 23.
Jackson is the first new addition to the Ring of Honor since former Bengal football star and long-time NFL offensive lineman Evan Smith was inducted in 2015. The qualifications to be considered for induction into the Ring of Honor for an athlete include having your number retired, having competed in the Olympic Games, or having brought fame and national attention to Idaho State University. Technically, Marcus never did any of those things. But he's actually surpassed the first requirement.
"His jersey number is forever reserved for the Bengal football player who embodies resilience, faith, leadership, hope… all of the amazing qualities Marcus has demonstrated in his journey," Thiros said. "It is very significant that rather than retiring his jersey, we choose to continue to enjoy it on the field, donned by the Bengal most illustrative of Marcus' character."
Marcus reacted to his induction in the Ring of Honor with typical humility and appreciation.
"God is good!" said Jackson. "What can I say? Idaho State does it again! It's always humbling to be honored by someone, but especially by ISU. They have truly embraced my entire journey, from football to graduation and beyond."
This past spring, Todd Payne, a senior defensive lineman from Idaho Falls, was chosen to wear the Marcus Jackson jersey this season. ISU Coaches Josh Runda and Kody Hensley presented the jersey to Payne, then got Jackson on a Zoom call.
"He gave us some motivational words – it was so special for me to be presented the jersey in front of (Marcus)," said Payne.
Ever since his injury, Jackson has been an inspiration to many people, not just Bengal football players. He returned to campus in 1999 to complete his degree in business. He honored his late mother Catherine, who was an educator for 40 years, by creating the "Only the Strong Foundation" in his native Colorado. The foundation works with at-risk and under-served minority students who want to pursue post-high school education. The foundation also provides financial assistance and scholarships, and works to provide poor students with basic school supplies to start each school year.
Jackson has also given back to his alma mater, working with the College of Business and the Athletic Department to create a scholarship for ISU athletes who are pursuing a degree in business and are not on full scholarship.
More than anything, Jackson's keep-your- chin-up and move forward attitude has been a blessing to everyone who encounters him.
"After his devastating injury, Marcus could have become bitter, angry and disconnected," said Thiros, who was a volleyball player at ISU when Marcus was injured, and has continued a relationship with him over the years. "I don't think anyone would have blamed him or failed to understand.
"Instead, he forged ahead to complete his degree, establish the Only the Strong Foundation in his mother's honor, fund scholarships at Idaho State University and inspire thousands of people to rise above their circumstances," Thiros continued. "I have learned a great deal from observing Marcus and his amazing family, and I could not be more proud to place his name in the Ring of Honor. I hope it will serve as a vehicle to amplify his message to our student athletes, and to begin to express our gratitude to him."
Marcus, in turn, expressed his gratitude to everyone who has supported him during his life's difficult journey.
"I spent six years in Pocatello, where I experienced a lot and grew up, on and off the field," he said. "I share this tremendous honor with my family, friends, coaches, teammates (shout-out to my Big Dawgs), professors and supporters. Nobody has had success without have a strong core, and I'm blessed and forever grateful for all the people that keep a legacy alive. Salute to the Idaho State community."
ISU Ring of Honor Members
Ed Sanders, boxing, 1952
Milton W. "Dubby" Holt, football, track, boxing, 1956
Ed "Spider" Webb, boxing, 1956
Les Roh, basketball, 1956
Dave Wagnon, basketball, 1966
Ed "The Flea" Bell, football, 1969
Lawrence Butler, basketball, 1979
Case deBruijn, football, 1981
Mike Machurek, football, 1981
Merril Hoge, football, 1986
Amber Welty, track, 1988
Stacy Dragila, track, 1997
I.J. "Babe" Caccia, football, 1938
Tom Jewell, football, wrestling, 1960
Jim Killingsworth, basketball, 1977
Dave Kragthorpe, football, 1981
Jared Allen, football, 2002
Evan Smith, football, 2008
Men's Basketball, 1977
Men's Football, 1981
Boxing, 1953 and 1957
Marcus Jackson, 1996
