Earnest Jackson Jr. (born December 18, 1959) is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was named to the Pro Bowl twice.

Earnest Jackson
No. 41, 43
Position:Running back
Personal information
Born: (1959-12-18) December 18, 1959 (age 65)
Needville, Texas, U.S.
Height:5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Weight:213 lb (97 kg)
Career information
High school:Lamar Consolidated
(Rosenberg, Texas)
College:Texas A&M
NFL draft:1983 / round: 8 / pick: 202
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Rushing yards:4,167
Average:3.9
Rushing touchdowns:22
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Born in Needville, Texas, Jackson graduated from Lamar Consolidated High School before going to Texas A&M University in 1979. In four seasons with the Aggies Jackson had over 2,000 yards from scrimmage and 5 touchdowns. He led the Southwest Conference in rushing yards per attempt in 1981 with 5.8 yards per carry. He was drafted in the eighth round of the 1983 NFL draft by the San Diego Chargers. Jackson played 6 NFL seasons, 1983 and 1984 with the San Diego Chargers where he was a Pro Bowler in 1984 rushing for 1,179 yards and 8 touchdowns. In 1985, he had another 1,000 yard season this time with the Philadelphia Eagles. His last three NFL seasons were from 1986 to 1988 with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 1986, he was once again a Pro Bowler running for 910 yards and 5 touchdowns. Earnest Jackson ended his career with 4,167 yards on 1059 carries along with 22 touchdowns. He also caught the ball for 695 yards on 87 receptions and 2 touchdowns.

Jackson wore number 43 in Pittsburgh, where it is now unofficially retired for Hall of Fame safety Troy Polamalu.

NFL career statistics

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Legend
Bold Career high
Year Team Games Rushing Receiving
GP GS Att Yds Avg Lng TD Rec Yds Avg Lng TD
1983 SDG 12 0 11 39 3.5 6 0 5 42 8.4 10 0
1984 SDG 16 14 296 1,179 4.0 32 8 39 222 5.7 21 1
1985 PHI 16 11 282 1,028 3.6 59 5 10 126 12.6 25 1
1986 PIT 13 13 216 910 4.2 31 5 17 169 9.9 28 0
1987 PIT 12 9 180 696 3.9 39 1 7 52 7.4 23 0
1988 PIT 12 6 74 315 4.3 29 3 9 84 9.3 24 0
81 53 1,059 4,167 3.9 59 22 87 695 8.0 28 2