On September 2, 2023, the “B” Association and Baylor Athletics will present the 2023 Football Legend Award on-field at McLane Stadium to Dean Jackson (LB, 1994-96) during the Baylor vs Texas State game. The following week, Rodney Smith (DB, 1996-99) will be presented with the award at the Baylor vs. Utah game, on September 9^th.  

Jackson earned three varsity letters for the Bears from 1994-1996. In 1996, he led the Bears in Total Tackles by recording 114 total tackles and 4 interceptions.  He was voted team captain by his teammates in ’95 and ’96 and went on to earn All-Big 12 honors following the 1996 season.  Jackson is a member of Baylor Football’s All-Decade Team of the 1990s.

An outstanding performer in the classroom, Jackson was a 2-time Academic All-Conference honoree and a member of the Baylor Athletic Advisory Council. He also received Baylor Football’s Alwin O. Highers Award given to the team’s top weightlifter and the Bobby Jones Memorial Award for team leadership. Jackson graduated from Baylor Law School and is currently an attorney and Partner with Mayer LLP.  

Smith, a three-year letterwinner at defensive safety for the Bears from 1996-1999, was a two-year starter and team captain in 1998 and 1999.  He ranks 8^th all-time in career total Solo Tackles, and he led the team in Total Tackles for two consecutive years in 1997 and 1998. Additionally, he was the team’s Sack Leader in 1999.  A standout basketball player in high school, Smith also earned varsity letters in Men’s Basketball starting at guard for the Bears during the 1996 season. 

Smith currently serves as the Assistant Athletic Director for the Waco Independent School District and is married to Baylor Track legend and Associate Head Coach for Track & Field Stacy Bowers Smith.

The Legend Award was established in 2002 to pay tribute to Baylor’s most accomplished former players and to provide them an opportunity to return to campus to reunite with the Baylor family and re-engage with their respective sports programs. To date, 105 former football players have received the Legend Award in honor of their significant contributions to Baylor Athletics.  

We hope you will join us at McLane Stadium on both dates to show our appreciation to Baylor Football Legends Dean Jackson and Rodney Smith!

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