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Ex-Sharon star Marlin Jackson battles back from 2nd ACL tear
By Lynn Saternow
Herald Sports Editor
They say that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Former Sharon High athletic great Marlin Jackson is a living example of that philosophy.
The Indianapolis Colts’ standout for a second straight season saw his field action cut short by a torn ACL. But while some people might wonder — “Why me?” — Jackson maintains a solid, positive attitude.
“It’s definitely frustrating,” said Jackson, a Michigan University All-American who helped the Colts win a Super Bowl championship in 2007. “But there’s nothing I can do about it. To tear the ACL in both legs in two years ... Other injuries are always something you play through.
“But I still have a positive outlook. I’m only 26, so if it has to happen, it’s good that it happens while I’m young.”
Jackson, who has always believed in giving back to the community, said that while he rehabilitates the knee after recent surgery, he’ll do more work with his foundation: Fight for Life. He said he hopes to spread the work with help from teammates to areas of Indianapolis, Pennsylvania, Dallas and Virginia. “I hope to continue to grow that,” he said of his foundation that helps youngsters.
In fact, through the “Build A Dream” part of his program, he’ll be hosting about 20 kids from Sharon 6th grade at the Denver-Indy game this Sunday. He entertains a group from Sharon each year. The kids enjoy a bus trip, game and pizza party with the ex-Sharon great.
“It’s a lot of fun,” he said.
What isn’t fun is the grueling rehab he undergoes to return to the field. “I’ll rehab here in Indianapolis for about 3 months, then go to Arizona for rehab for a couple of months. I’ll be ready by training camp. Coach (Jim) Caldwell and the team have been very supportive.
“The way I’ve handled myself with the team, I’ve earned a lot of respect with teammates and the coaching staff.”
In fact, his team voted him the Abe Block Courage Award winner for someone with injuries who does a lot for the community.
There is at least one good result to come from being sidelined. “The last two years have taken a lot of wear and tear off my body,” he said. “I know what I have to do; I know what it takes to rehab. Last year’s injury was worse.”
After missing the 2008 season after ACL surgery, he returned strong at the start of 2009. But he tore the ACL in his other leg during an Oct. 4 win over Seattle.
”I never had any problems (with the repaired knee) after I came back this year, other than a little tendinitis when I first was back playing. Nowadays they fix you better than you were. In the old days like the ’80s and late 70s, your career was over.”
Jackson would have been an unrestricted free agent after this season and could negotiate with other teams, but because the NFL and players union haven’t reached a collective bargaining agreement yet, he will probably be a restricted free agent and can be tendered by the team.
“I’ve very happy here,” he said of his role with the Colts. “I would love to spend my whole career here.”
The Colts are still undefeated this season, even without Jackson and All-Pro Bob Sanders, an Erie native who is also rehabbing an injury, in the defensive backfield.
“(Our replacements) are playing well,” he said. “The Colts did a good job drafting. No matter who’s out, people step in and do the job.
“I can’t wait to get back. I feel like God let me get to a certain height in my career and this happens. I still have all my goals and everything I want to do. I’m still focused on all my goals.
“That’s made it easier, because I’ve gone through this before. But it’s hard to sit out and watch. I couldn’t watch football last year. I felt so frustrated.
“But that taught me a lot of patience. I trust in God and know he has a plan for me.
“I’m taking that motivation to another level. Everything I always wanted, now I want it more.”
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