New Orleans' Jackson Named Week 5 National Guard Community MVP
April 6, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL) News Release
CHICAGO - New Orleans VooDoo JLB ALVIN RAY JACKSON has been named National Guard Community MVP of the Week for his recent philanthropic efforts.
Jackson (6-1, 195, Albany State) has returned for his second season with the VooDoo. Jackson was voted the Riddell Defensive Player of the Week after 3 interceptions for a total of 27 yards against the Blaze in Week 4.
Jackson has spent time volunteering at local hospitals, working football camps and volunteer coaching a youth football team.
Most recently, Jackson and his teammates visited the Tulane Hospital to meet with children.
"I kind of connected with a little guy named Denais, he is a cancer patient," Jackson said. "I got a chance to spend a little time with him and we ended up playing each other in Madden."
Denais and Jackson built a friendship and recently have spent some time catching up.
"He comes back on April 24th and I'm going to go see him and this time we are playing a rematch for crawfish," Jackson said.
As the oldest of eight siblings Jackson understands what it is like to be a mentor, and does everything he can to act as a role model for children. He also volunteers by running a free camp in his hometown in Mississippi and volunteer coaches a local youth football team.
"Volunteering is something that just feels right to do," Jackson said. "I was blessed to do some things that other people are not and I just want to continue to give back."
The VooDoo (1-2) face the Tampa Bay Storm (2-1) in Week 5 tonight at 8:00 pm ET on "NET10 Arena Football Friday" on NFL Network.
The National Guard Community MVP is awarded to one player each week to recognize their commitment to community service. Following the 2012 season, players will be voted on by fans to become the National Guard Community MVP of the Year.
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Arena Football League Stories from April 6, 2012
- Storm fall to Voodoo 66-47 - Tampa Bay Storm
- Power Falls at Home to Iowa - Pittsburgh Power
- Barnstormes Blackout Power 55-42 - Iowa Barnstormers
- Orlando Predators Travel to Cleveland to Take on the Gladiators - Orlando Predators
- New Orleans' Jackson Named Week 5 National Guard Community MVP - AFL
- Blaze Launches Stay Active, Stay Strong Program - Utah Blaze
- "The Struggle" That Made Brian Coulter - New Orleans VooDoo
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