Sweat dripped from senior Cody Jackson’s face and adrenaline pulsed through his veins after he scored the winning touchdown of West’s first playoff game of the season on Nov 14. Fans and teammates cheered while Jackson pointed to the sky in an expression of gratitude and faith.
A camera flashed and the powerful image appeared on the front page of the Times-News the following morning.
“I was pointing up to the sky giving Him (God) glory,” Jackson said. “That was my favorite football picture. I thought it was awesome it got
to the front page and you could tell what I was doing.”
Since he started to play, football has been an important part of Jackson’s life. After six years of experience, several colleges including Brevard and Wingate, offered Jackson a chance to play for their team, an exciting opportunity that could pave the way to a bright future.
“I like the life lessons you learn playing football,” Jackson said. “You work hard if you want something, and you can earn it, and sometimes you have to accept things you don’t want to accept.”
Jackson explained he took those lessons to heart as he considered the options ahead of him.
“I really wanted to go play, but I just didn’t feel like that was what I’m supposed to do,” Jackson said.
In his eighth grade year, Jackson’s interest in ministry was sparked by his youth pastor, Ryan Hooper. Suddenly, the idea of abandoning a possible future in football to pursue a career as a minister became an important question. He couldn’t help but feel that his drive to inspire youth overpowered his joy of the game.
Jackson asked for the advice of his youth pastor, who helped walk him through the decision and answered his questions.
“(I asked him) how the pay was and if it was hard having a family, what he did to plan through events and what really made him feel like he was drawn to ministry,” Jackson said. “He was very open and supportive, and he was glad to give me advice.”
Making the final decision was tough. “It was scattered around really. I guess you could say I prayed on it,” Jackson said. “I would go talk to random people. I got advice from my parents, my friends, my coaches and my youth leaders. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to decide in my life.”
It was the Thursday night before signing day that Jackson made his final decision to pursue ministry. He plans to attend Fruitland Baptist Bible College, a two-year program, and then transfer to Liberty University to work toward his bachelor’s degree in ministry.
By Rachel Raasch
