Tarvaris Jackson
A quarterback whose perseverance through injuries and team changes defined a journeyman's career in the NFL.
1983–2020 (age 37)·American football player·Birthday: April 21·Millennials
Biography
Tarvaris Jackson's path to the NFL was anything but straightforward, beginning at the University of Arkansas before finding his footing at Alabama State. Drafted in the second round by the Minnesota Vikings in 2006, he was thrust into the starting role, tasked with leading a franchise in transition. His powerful arm and mobility were evident, but consistency proved elusive. Jackson's career became a testament to resilience, as he embraced backup roles with the Seattle Seahawks, where he served as a crucial veteran presence during their 2013 Super Bowl run, and later with the Buffalo Bills. His quiet leadership and willingness to mentor younger players left a lasting impression in locker rooms long after his playing days ended, marking a career valued for its depth of character as much as its statistics.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Tarvaris was born in 1983, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Tarvaris Was Born
The biggest hits of 1983
#1 Movie
Return of the Jedi
Best Picture
Terms of Endearment
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Tarvaris's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1983Born
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1988Started school
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1996Became a teenager
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
1999Could drive
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2001Could vote
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Turned 21
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2013Turned 30
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2020Died at 37
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
Key Achievements
- Started 34 games at quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings across five seasons.
- Served as the primary backup quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks during their Super Bowl XLVIII championship season in 2013.
- Threw for over 7,200 yards and 39 touchdowns in his NFL career.
Did You Know?
He was a standout baseball player in high school and was drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 2000 MLB draft.
Jackson earned his degree in physical education from Alabama State University in 2005.
He tragically died in a single-car accident in Alabama in 2020 at the age of 36.
“I just wanted to play football, and I was given an opportunity.”
