Editor’s note: Athlete of the month is released by ASB a week after the month ends. Stories on each athlete are delayed for this reason.
Kevin Jackson (12), varsity football tight end and fullback, was named the November Athlete of the Month. Jackson pushes past hardships on the field and leaves his mark as he moves on to Southern Methodist University, studying business finance.
With a brief experience in football before high school, Jackson entered the school knowing he wanted to pursue the sport.
“I played football one year before freshman year, but that was in fourth grade,” Jackson said. “My friends were playing in eighth grade, so I wanted to play in freshman year.”
Varsity football coach, Introduction to Business teacher and Marketing teacher, Mathew Feeler expresses the “joy” he feels to work with Jackson and commends his ability to improve as an individual as well as an athlete. In addition, Jackson acknowledges “hardships”, but turns them into experiences.
“Running into people over and over … that’s pretty difficult,” Jackson said. “But that’s kind of like the fun part of it, that’s what you sign up for when you’re playing football.”
Jackson also added that his last season playing on the Ed Burke Field was fulfilling.
“Scoring touchdowns, [is] something I got to do this year,” Jackson said. “It’s very fun.”
Jackson speaks openly on overcoming challenges the season entails.
“The hardest thing to overcome [was] putting on a bunch of weight,” Jackson said. “Gaining weight in the off-season, it’s very difficult.”
Despite the hardships, Jackson was a leader on the team, according to Feeler.
“[Jackson] took a leadership role within the team and focused his energy in the weight room and into our field workouts, and that translated into practice,” Feeler said.
Despite no formal championship win, Jackson is proud of the work he has done with his team and is content with leaving the team for future players.
“We haven’t won a championship or anything,” Jackson said. “Our league is very difficult, but I think we’ve done better [this year] than years past (6-8 in 2024, 4-7 in 2025). I’m happy with what we’ve done. We put the offense together this year, and I’m excited for what the fellas can do next year.”
Jackson formed bonds and friendships from being a player on the football team.
“Being involved in football has made me feel more a part of the school,” Jackson said. “Since freshman year, I’ve met all my friends through football, and I’m still meeting people through football, even [though] I’m a senior.”
As Jackson retires his helmet, his mentors are confident that he will continue to inspire those around him.
“He has a phenomenal future ahead of him,” Feeler said. “[The coaches] are so excited to see the success he has as a young man.”
