INDIANAPOLIS -- Former Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Pagano and Colts General Manager Chris Ballard spoke at the funeral for Edwin Jackson, the Colts player killed in a crash a week ago.
Jackson, 26, was the passenger in an Uber when he got sick. The driver, 54-year-old Jeffrey Monroe, pulled over near the Holt Road exit of I-70 to help him, when a suspected drunk driver crashed into the vehicle, killing both men.
Jackson played 16 games for the Colts in 2016 and started eight. He spent the entire 2017 season on injured reserve.
"Edwin was full of gratitude and he was full of life. He lived full," said Pagano. "Every single day - every single day we got nothing but energy and passion and grit from this young man."
"(Jackson) inspired me to treat people differently, because tomorrow's not promised to any of us," said Ballard. "He was a special young man, and I was very fortunate to have gotten to know him. But he's not gone. He is not gone. That impact he made on our organization, on our players, on our coaches, on our scouts, is tremendous."
The Colts have also established a scholarship fund to "honor the life and legacy of Edwin Jackson." The scholarship will be awarded to one student annually.
Help honor the life and legacy of Edwin Jackson through the Edwin Jackson Memorial Scholarship, which will be awarded to a student annually.
Visit: https://t.co/2TBYqLtjh1 pic.twitter.com/uak2HWCaXj
— Colts Community (@coltscommunity) February 12, 2018
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking those wishing to honor Jackson to contribute to the Edwin Jackson 53 Foundation at www.EdwinJackson53.com.
You can watch the full funeral service below.
Jackson's family released the following statement:
“The parents and family of Edwin Jackson would like to thank everyone for their overwhelming expressions of love, condolences, concern, and care during this sudden and tragic loss.
We were blessed to have had an amazing son who lived a life that extended respect, love, and genuine concern to everyone. He showed compassion for his community and strived to be an example to kids who looked up to him.
We have lost a son, a brother, a nephew, and an uncle. The Indianapolis Colts and the National Football League have lost a young and rising star – one who truly loved the game of football, and played it with a passion.
We thank the City of Indianapolis for embracing Edwin and treating him as one of their own. We also thank Mr. Irsay and the entire Colts organization for allowing Edwin to fulfill his dream of playing the game that he worked so hard for and loved immensely. We are also grateful for the Georgia Southern University and Westlake High School communities, who supported Edwin along his journey to success.
While we mourn the loss of an amazing young man, we also celebrate his remarkable life and hope that his life serves as an example to young people around the world that, with a plan and hard work, dreams can come true.
As we grieve our loss, we are aware that the family of Mr. Jeffrey Monroe also grieves the loss of their loved one. We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to them during this time.
In this darkest moment, we choose to remember Edwin for the wonderful things he accomplished in his short time on earth, including the Edwin Jackson 53 Foundation that he started to empower athletes and youth.
For those seeking to honor Edwin, we ask that in lieu of flowers and cards you help to keep his legacy alive by contributing to his foundation. To learn more visit www.EdwinJackson53.com.”
“The parents and family of Edwin Jackson would like to thank everyone for their overwhelming expressions of love, condolences, concern, and care during this sudden and tragic loss.
We were blessed to have had an amazing son who lived a life that extended respect, love, and genuine concern to everyone. He showed compassion for his community and strived to be an example to kids who looked up to him.
We have lost a son, a brother, a nephew, and an uncle. The Indianapolis Colts and the National Football League have lost a young and rising star – one who truly loved the game of football, and played it with a passion.
We thank the City of Indianapolis for embracing Edwin and treating him as one of their own. We also thank Mr. Irsay and the entire Colts organization for allowing Edwin to fulfill his dream of playing the game that he worked so hard for and loved immensely. We are also grateful for the Georgia Southern University and Westlake High School communities, who supported Edwin along his journey to success.
While we mourn the loss of an amazing young man, we also celebrate his remarkable life and hope that his life serves as an example to young people around the world that, with a plan and hard work, dreams can come true.
As we grieve our loss, we are aware that the family of Mr. Jeffrey Monroe also grieves the loss of their loved one. We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to them during this time.
In this darkest moment, we choose to remember Edwin for the wonderful things he accomplished in his short time on earth, including the Edwin Jackson 53 Foundation that he started to empower athletes and youth.
For those seeking to honor Edwin, we ask that in lieu of flowers and cards you help to keep his legacy alive by contributing to his foundation. To learn more visit www.EdwinJackson53.com.”
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