Islanders Sign Nate Jackson to Contract
December 13, 2003 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Hawaiian Islanders News Release
HONOLULU â The arenafootball2 offices announced Friday they have assigned the services of former University of Hawaii star Nate Jackson to the Hawaiian Islanders for the 2004 season.
Jackson (5-11, 180) played four seasons at Hawaii from 1998 to 2001 and was named second team All-WAC two years in a row at defensive back (2000 and 2001). Known as one of the hardest hitters on the team, he completed his career with 318 tackles and was invited to play in the 2001 Hula Bowl. In 2002, he signed as a free agent with the Tennessee Titans but was released prior to the start of the season.
In October 2002, Jackson was admitted to the hospital with a viral infection that required heart valve replacement. Numerous fundraisers were held in his honor and he was finally released five weeks later.
Jackson, who turns 24 on Christmas Day, still dreams to play in the NFL.
"I've kept in contact with the Titans and they said there is still a chance they could pick me up," Jackson said. "If not, they said I could sign and be sent to NFL Europe."
According to af2 rules, if a player signs with the Arena Football League, NFL, CFL or NFL Europe, their af2 contract will be suspended until the player is released.
"He's a real exciting player," said Islanders Head Coach Cal Lee. "I've seen him at Waianae and UH and I know he'll make a difference on this team."
"We're excited to have Nate and his love for the game. His hard-hitting style of play is a perfect compliment to the personality of our defense," said Executive Director & General Manager Chris Dey. "We know he belongs in the NFL and arena football will be the perfect proving ground for him."
Jackson, a 1998 graduate of Waianae High School, will graduate from UH next spring with a degree in Sociology.
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