Jackson Brothers don't mind sharing Fairview sidelines

While we are celebrating the Thanksgiving season, two Fairview brothers are celebrating a winning football season after coaching side by side.

The Fairview High Yellow Jackets football season ended on a bittersweet note, losing to Stratford in the third round of the TSSAA State Playoffs, but the the Jackson brothers are proud of the team’s dedication and winning season.

Michael Jackson and his brother Joey Jackson are also super proud of the team for making their season so memorable.

Michael Jackson, 36, is the Jackets’ assistant head coach while his brother Joey, 35, serves as defensive line coach and special teams coordinator.

While the 2018 Yellow Jacket season has given them lots of great memories, making memories on the football field is nothing new for the brothers.

Michael was an offensive lineman for the University of Tennessee at Martin Skyhawks for four years. “I started in 36 consecutive games and was a captain my senior year. Before that, I played for the Cheatham County Cubs in Ashland City,” Michael said.

Joey competed in junior pro football at Joelton for the Vikings before playing middle school football under the late coach Frank Simmons, a former teacher and coach at Fairview High.

He also played Sycamore High School where he was an All-Region Football Player (2000 & 2001) and named Tennessee Sports Writers Association All-State Class 3A Team (2001). His high school career earned him a chance to play for the University of Tennessee at Martin Skyhawks

Michael has been coaching at Fairview High for six years with 14 total years of coaching football.

“My favorite thing about coaching is watching the next generation of leaders get stronger, learn how to overcome adversity and realize that the can accomplish anything they’re willing to work towards,” said Michael.

Joey has been coaching football for seven years working at Lebanon in 2012, Kenwood in 2013, and Stewart County 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017. This was he first season coaching at Fairview High.

He explained his favorite thing about coaching was “getting to make a positive difference and motivate young people to be successful and learn the value of hard work and working as a team.”

The 2018 Yellow Jacket season was also the first opportunity the brothers have had to coach together. “My brother was a huge help when I was at Cheatham County, but this is the first year we’ve officially been on the same staff,” explained Michael.

In June, FHS Head Coach Chris Hughes reached out to Joey and offered him a job on the FHS coaching staff. Joey said he saw it as a “great opportunity to work in a great school system and be a part of a proven championship level football…it was too good to pass up.”

Michael said the opportunity to coach together actually came about because “my wife prayed it into being.”

Whatever the actual reason, the opportunity to coach together proved to be a great success with the Jackets celebrating a 10-3 season record.

Joey said, “It’s great to be able to see my brother on a daily basis and work alongside him. He’s more than just a colleague. He’s always been there for me and supportive of me, and is my best friend. It’s a wonderful feeling that I get to live each and every day.”

Michael agreed, noting, “My brother and I complement each other in a lot of ways and share a passion for the game and agree on the way it should be played. He’s one of the best football minds I’ve ever been around, and there’s no one I would rather work with.”