HOOVER, Ala. (WBRC) – Carolina Panthers cornerback Mike Jackson returned to Spain Park High School on Saturday to host a football camp for more than 200 young athletes.
Jackson shared his journey with the campers, encouraging them to pursue their goals without hesitation.
“Just always remember to chase your dreams. A lot of people used to tell me that if you want to go to the NFL, you need to have a plan b. I always felt like if I had that plan, I was planning to fail. So dream big, don’t let nobody tell you what you can and can’t do,” Jackson said.
NFL cornerback Mike Jackson hosts free football camp at Spain Park(WBRC)
Jackson, who surprised all the campers with a free pair of shoes, was born in Germany but raised in Birmingham. He said coming back to Spain Park feels like home.
“Everywhere you see a hill, even over there in the parking lot, I’ve ran up. Just training with Coach Otis back in high school. To me, it’s a special place, it’s sacred. I know where the water holes are out on the field,” Jackson said.
Jackson is coming off a career year as a starting cornerback for the Carolina Panthers and has plans for an even better season this fall.
“Continue to work hard. Understand last year is over with… but move forward and just have fun playing the game,” Jackson said. “That’s how I made all those plays. Working hard and having fun.”
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