Lucedale Native McKinnley Jackson Gives Back at Annual Youth Football Camp
He may wear a Bengals uniform on Sundays, but this weekend, McKinnley Jackson was proudly representing his hometown.
The Lucedale native returned for the second straight year to host his youth football camp, using his NFL platform to give back to the community that helped shape his journey.
“It’s the biggest blessing I could ask for. I’m proud of where I come from. It’s a small place, and it’s a humbling experience,” said Mckinnley Jackson. “I wouldn’t be the man I am today without the people around me and this town. Hopefully it keeps going forward. I’m giving back to the kids because the generation before did the same thing for me.”
And he’s paying that forward in a big way. Campers spent the day at Gill Martin Stadium rotating through drills, competitions, and skill work with coaches at every level. Local high school athletes volunteered alongside Division I and NFL players like Justin Walley and Decarlos Nicholson, giving kids a chance to learn from athletes who have already walked the path they’re chasing. After a day of football — and plenty of pizza — campers left with smiles on their faces. Here’s what four campers had to say:
“It was fun. It was pretty hot, but it was fun at the same time.”
“You learn a lot of new things.”
“They do drills that help you get better. They’ll get you in shape.”
“It’s really good conditioning, and the coaches they have are really, really good. I appreciate them for what they did.”
But for Jackson, the camp is about much more than football. He hopes every child leaves knowing they’re supported and inspired to one day give back to others, no matter where life takes them.
“Just really giving back to the kids and giving them access to us—being tangible for them, having fun with them, giving the parents a day off, and really being a part of their life. It’s such a small day and a small moment, but hopefully it lasts a long time,” Jackson said. “When they look back and realize, ‘I had the opportunity to be around these people,’ I hope they do the same thing someday, no matter what they do. Whether it’s football, a corporate job, or whatever life presents to them, I hope they remember this day and apply what they learned to their lives.”
For McKinnley Jackson, giving back to George County is about creating opportunities that extend far beyond the football field. Yet another incredible event put on by the Lucedale native!
