Jackie Parker (1972) - Hall of Fame

Jackie Parker

Induction:
1972
Class:
1953

Jackie Parker quarterbacked Mississippi State on the 1952 and 1953 seasons after spending two seasons at junior college. Parker holds the record for the most points responsible for in a single game in MSU history. He scored six touchdowns and knocked each PAT down on Nov. 11, 1952, combining for a total of 42 points. On the 1952 season, Parker rushed for 16 touchdowns, which is now the second-most in program history and was on top of the record book until the 2010 season.

Parker is atop the record books for most career passing yards per attempt in program history, averaging 8.52 yards per attempt. During the 1952 season, Parker accounted for 120 points (16 TDs, 24 PATs), which is the most of any Bulldog in program history and set a SEC scoring record. He was named First Team All-SEC in 1952 and 1953 and earned All-American honors after his final season.

After his college career, Parker was drafted by the New York Giants of the NFL and the Edmonton Eskimos of the Western Interprovincial Football Union, now known as the CFL. Parker ultimately made the decision to sign with the Eskimos. During his 13 seasons in the CFL, he passed for 16,476 yards, rushed for 5,210 and accounted for 750 points. Parker won three Grey Cups with Edmonton.

After his playing days ended, Parker moved into different roles in the CFL. He coached the BC Lions of the CFL for the 1969 and 1970 seasons before moving into the role of general manager for five years. From there, Parker went to coach the Eskimos from 1983-1987.

Parker was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1972. He then became the first player in Mississippi State history to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1976. Parker is also a member of the MSU Ring of Honor after being posthumously inducted in 2011.