Darrell Davis: Jackson determined to succeed on two fields

After winning the 2013 Grey Cup with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Tristan Jackson went back to the oilfields to work his normal off-season job. When the Roughriders released him shortly afterwards, it looked like Jackson was going to be a fulltime rigger, but the CFL team ultimately decided to invite him back in 2014.

Jackson initially joined the Roughriders as a return specialist — and once returned a missed field goal 129 yards against the B.C. Lions — but he always wanted to play on defence. As inspiration and to remind himself where he came from, Jackson kept his oilfield gloves and vest in his Riders locker. When Roughriders head coach Corey Chamblin praised Jackson for his effort, Jackson would nod at his work gear and tell everyone he was simply appreciating the opportunity to play pro football.

Chamblin finally let the 5-foot-8, 185-pounder start at cornerback. Jackson wound down his career in 2016, seeing spot duty with the Ottawa Redblacks as they developed into Grey Cup winners. Jackson got a second ring, but when the popular player wanted to make his retirement official, he signed a one-day contract and retired as a Roughrider, a testament to hard work and determination.