ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos have hired Ray Jackson as director of player development, Executive Vice President of Football Operations/General Manager John Elway announced on Monday.
Jackson, who spent the last 10 seasons (2005-14) as the director of player development for the Pittsburgh Steelers, will spearhead the club's off-the-field training and education for players through various club-and league-supported initiatives.
With the Steelers, Jackson implemented the organization's Career Transition Program and coordinated the Club Life Skills Seminar. He facilitated several other support programs aimed at maximizing players' potential and ability to achieve their goals on and off the field.
A cornerback for six NFL seasons with Buffalo (1996-98) and Cleveland (1999-2001), Jackson began his post-playing career as the player development coordinator for the Browns from 2002-04.
Before being selected by the Bills in the fifth round (156th overall) of the 1996 NFL Draft, Jackson played at Colorado State University, where he graduated as the program's all-time leader in career interceptions (20). As a senior in 1995, he was named First-Team All-Western Athletic Conference and was selected to the prestigious AFCA Good Works Team.
A graduate of Denver's Montbello High School, Jackson was born on Feb. 17, 1973, in East Chicago, Ind.
