Basil Jackson’s Journey to the American Dream

Arlington, Texas has long held the motto of being the American Dream City, and Basil Jackson has brought that vision to life remaining resilient throughout his journey to professional sports. Despite hurdles and setbacks, his faith in God and love of his family gave him the strength to pursue that American Dream.

Growing up in Oklahoma, Jackson took an interest in skateboarding and soccer, competing in a select league before relocating to Arlington, TX. There, his mother urged him to play football as a way of adjusting to the new surroundings and remaining active. Jackson disliked football for many years prior to playing the sport, finding the physical contact required to be less than appealing. While attending Barnett Junior High School and Ousley Junior high school, he would play wide receiver and running back. 

"As long as I wasn't getting hit, I was okay," he said with a laugh. "As a young child I was always a leader. As my adult self, I always want to be the man that I needed as a child growing up."

Jackson was inspired to pursue his dream by the work ethic of ordinary, caring people like his coaches, mother and grandmother. Watching how hard his mother worked care for him and his siblings motivated Jackson to be strong and resilient, no matter the circumstances. 

Jackson began his high school career with turbulence, completing his freshman year at James Bowie High School following an early expulsion from Juan Seguin High School. Following a successful appeal, he was able to return to Juan Seguin for the remainder of his high school years, playing junior varsity football leading up to his senior year. 

The summer prior to his senior year, disaster struck, and Jackson was rushed to the hospital due to heat exhaustion and kidney failure. He recovered, but was forced to sit out most of his senior football season, with the exception of the last five games. With those five games, Jackson displayed a level of talent and athleticism that earned him a full ride to Northwestern State University — unfortunately the ball was dropped with his registration and he wasn’t able to attend. Rather than give up, Jackson opted to attend Trinity Valley Community College. There, he earned an associate's degree in General Studies before transferring to Tarleton State University on a full scholarship. In three years, Jackson earned Bachelor's degrees for General Business and Business Administration, and went on to earn an MBA as well. 

After graduating, Jackson returned home to Arlington, before pursuing his dream of playing professional football. Jackson researched on his own and figured the German Football League would be the best opportunity for him to get drafted, and he participated in a combine-style try-out, earning himself a contract with the New Yorker Lions in Braunschweig, Germany as their leading tackle. The team went on to win the German Bowl Championship in 2019.

"I signed a contract with Germany with no idea on how much this would change my life,” Jackson said. "I was a kid from the Southside of Arlington, Texas, speaking different languages. Even the traffic signs were different. It was a completely different environment, but one of the best experiences in my life." 

After winning a championship, Jackson decided to return home to Arlington in hopes of a more lucrative contract with the Canadian Football League, landing a deal in February of 2020 just before the COVID-19 pandemic began in the U.S. 

"I was thanking God for all of the blessings in advance, for the journey he had blessed me with,” he admitted. “As soon as I finished praying my phone rang. On the other side was the CFL offering a contract among other business dealings." 

As Jackson continues his journey, his faith in God and prayer are a major part of his decision making. Jackson plans to release a book detailing his trials and triumphs as he grew in the world of professional football. His path from Arlington’s south side to earning multiple degrees to becoming an international professional football player has truly been a realization of the American dream. He strives everyday to reach back and help others make their dreams come true and make Arlington proud.

Feature photo by Philip Dauwe