It’s been nearly five weeks since cornerback Brandon Jackson was tragically killed in an automobile accident, and Army has played every game since on the road. While the service academy has worn a memorial helmet sticker in the road games -- and will the remainder of the season -- the Black Knights have not been able to properly honor their fallen teammate on gameday.
That, though, will change later today in a very subtle yet striking way.
As Army gets set to host FCS Lafayette this afternoon at Michie Stadium, Jackson’s memory will be honored with his No. 28 being painted on the home sideline. A number that will serve as a very visual reminder of the teammate who was lost last month.For first @ArmyWP_Football home gm since Brandon Jackson passed away, #28 will be on the sideline with his teammates pic.twitter.com/rXzSTQWaeX
— John Schriffen (@JohnSchriffen) October 14, 2016
Brandon Jackson’s No. 28 at both 28-yard lines remembering #Army cornerback. Black Knights playing 1st home game since sophomore passing. pic.twitter.com/Y6oAFgjqUu
— Sal Interdonato (@salinterdonato) October 15, 2016
“10 bus-loads of U.S. Military Academy cadets... made the trip from West Point to say goodbye to a teammate, classmate and brother,” one television station’s website wrote of the 20-year-old Jackson’s funeral. Perhaps even more striking? Navy head coach Ken Niumatalolo and his entire coaching staff attended the funeral as well.