Former Denver Broncos wide receiver and one third of the “Three Amigos” Mark Jackson joined Gil Whiteley to reflect on his role in The Drive.
Definitely at the top of Broncos’ lore, The Drive was a 15 play, 98-yard drive that forced overtime in the 1987 AFC Championship game, a defining moment in cementing John Elway‘s legacy as a clutch quarterback.
Jackson, a rookie, caught two clutch passes in the legendary 5:02 possession: a 3rd-and-18 conversion and the touchdown which brought the Broncos to within a point.
Jackson remarked that while he expected Elway to look in his direction on the long 3rd-down play, he “never got the ball” on the play call that led to the touchdown.
Elway previously has said that the touchdown pass is the hardest he has ever thrown a ball — a sentiment Jackson agreed with.
Jackson also discussed the difference in mentality he sees between himself and current NFL receivers. While many active wideouts are plagued by dropped balls, Jackson says he never had that issue because he always was always excited when plays were called for him.
“I just had a different mindset, a mentality that was ‘Oh cool, I’m going to get the ball!'”
Jackson has stayed active within the Denver community. He is an on-air personality for local television and is on the Board of Directors for the Denver Broncos Alumni Association.
For the full conversation, click the link below…
Catch Gil Whiteley every weekday from 11a-1p on Mile High Sports AM 1340 or FM 104.7, or stream live any time for the best local coverage of Colorado sports from Denver’s biggest sports talk lineup.
(Featured image courtesy of BroncosPlanet)
