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1996 was the inaugural season for the new Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore had finally gotten back an NFL team 12 years after the Baltimore Colts left for Indianapolis. Art Modell had moved the old Cleveland Browns to Baltimore and brought the players with them, guys that not only made a name for themselves in Cleveland, but with the Ravens as well. Unfortunately, the Ravens and Browns family tragically lost one of those players on Friday.
Wide receiver Michael Jackson was sadly killed on Friday morning in a motorcycle accident in Tangipahoa, Louisiana, as first reported by TMZ Sports. He was 48-years old.
Ex-NFL WR Michael D. Jackson Killed In Motorcycle Accident https://t.co/Xy70uBhdir
— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) May 12, 2017
Jackson was riding his motorcycle on US 51 in Tangipahoa and struck the driver side of a vehicle that was backing out of a driveway. The driver was a 20-year old woman, and the collision also killed her as well.
Jackson played college football at Southern Mississippi with quarterback Brett Favre. He was drafted in the sixth round by the Browns in 1991 and became an immediate contributor for Cleveland. From 1991-1995, Jackson compiled 170 receptions, 2,797 yards, and 28 touchdowns as a Brown.
Jackson would continue his solid play in Baltimore in 1996 as he was tied for the league lead in touchdowns with San Diego Chargers wide receiver Tony Martin with 14. He also had career highs in receptions (76), and receiving yards (1,201). In total, Jackson notched 183 catches, 2,596 yards, and 18 touchdowns in his three seasons with the Ravens. He still holds the teams single-season record for receiving yards he set in 1996. Jackson was also the mayor of Tangipahoa, Louisiana from 2009-2013.
Below is a statement from Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome on the passing of Michael Jackson via the Baltimore Ravens Twitter:
Our thoughts are with the family of former Ravens WR Michael Jackson, who passed away today. We will miss you.https://t.co/BzaMr09krF pic.twitter.com/NWFoC6SRpp
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) May 12, 2017
The Browns also issued a statement on Jackson's passing on their Twitter account as well.
Michael Jackson was more than a great player, he was a great man.
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) May 12, 2017
Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/2OdcrjjahT
We here at Baltimore Beatdown send our prayers and condolences to the Jackson family and to the family of the 20-year old young woman as they each go through this difficult time.
Share with us your fondest memory of Michael Jackson.