Undrafted out of Southern in 1966, Rich Jackson was given a chance by the Oakland Raiders, where he played only five games. Al Davis traded Jackson to the Denver Broncos, but the Raiders owner would soon regret it.
Jackson would become the best Defensive End in the American Football League, where, from 1968 to 1970, the man nicknamed “Tombstone” would go on a three-year streak of First Team All-Pros and Pro Bowls and would be known forever for his “head slap” and “halo spinner", two moves that would become staples of those looking to emulate Jackson. It is arguable for us to say that during those three seasons, no other Defensive End could touch him, but that was over almost as quickly as it began. He suffered a massive injury to his knee in 1971, and he was out of the game a year later, but his impact on the game, whether people are aware, is substantial.
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