Hunter Jackson, born on July 11, 1925, carved a significant path in the world of sports officiating, culminating in his induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 2000. His remarkable career spanned over five decades, covering high school to professional levels. Beginning his journey with the TSSAA in 1947, Jackson dedicated seven years as an official, laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment to sports officiating.

Jackson's expertise was not confined to high school football; his skills saw him officiating in four college conferences and extending his prowess to the professional leagues, including the AFL, NFL, WFL, and USFL. From 1966 to 1974, he worked as an official in both the AFL and NFL, taking part in four NFL Playoff games and the WFL’s World Bowl Championship game in 1975. His work span also covered significant periods in college football officiating, working in the Ohio Valley Conference from 1954 to 1960, the Southern Conference from 1960 to 1964, and the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in 1965.

A lasting impact of Jackson’s legacy is his contribution to the establishment of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame in the tri-cities in 1993, where he served as the first chapter president. Moreover, his organizational leadership initiated the founding of the Southern Indiana College Officials’ Association (SICOA) in 1976, an association that evolved into what is known today as Conference USA.

Hunter Jackson's induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame not only highlights his service as an official but also commemorates his role in shaping sports officiating across multiple levels. His stories and achievements, influenced by his father, S.D. Jackson, another TSSAA official and Hall of Fame member, underscore a family legacy deeply intertwined with the fabric of American sports. Jackson passed away on October 7, 2007, leaving behind a monumental legacy in sports officiating.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2000
Category: Official