Carl B. Jackson is a Charlottesville native and a 1956 graduate of Jackson P. Burley High School. Carl began playing with the Burley Bears football team his freshmen year of high school and played through his senior year. He became an exceptional football player and the recipient of many honors and accolades.

Carl believes to be successful, you need discipline. It has carried over from high school through his adult life. As a football player, he played on both sides of the ball. He played “Center” for the offense team and as a “Linebacker” for the defense team. With only 30 players on the team, the players rotated between playing offense and defense. He served as captain of the team for the 1954 and 1955 seasons. As a player Carl had much success.

• 1954 – Member of the VIAL State Football Championship Team

• 1955 – Member of the Northern District Football Championship Team

• 1956 – Member of the Northern District Co-Football Championship Team

Carl was tenacious on the field and in the classroom. His tenacity showed as he helped lead the Bears, under the famed coaching of Robert “Bob” Smith to several award winning seasons. His personal accolades included selection as a two time member of the Virginia High School All-State Football Team and an outstanding football player for the Burley High School team. His efforts also helped the team to experience great success. During his tenure, the team’s record was 39-3-1. The team also won titles at the district and state level. Players and coaches alike noted Carl’s discipline as a player contributed to his success and attitude, which influenced the rest of the team.

Carl’s success at Jackson P. Burley High School earned him a scholarship to play football at Maryland State University. There he continued to excel on the field. Carl married his high school sweetheart and raised a beautiful family. He retired as a U.S. postal worker in December 1995 and is now a faithful member of the Zion Union Baptist Church in Charlottesville, serving as the Chairman of the Deacon Board.

Carl will always be known as a person of integrity and dedication. He earned the title as one of the true pillars of the Charlottesville community. Many say, “You cannot tell the story of the Burley Bears, without mentioning Carl B”.