**EXCLUSIVE: OU’s Adrian Peterson and Keith Jackson Amongst the Best Playmaking Duo in College Football History, Announce Multi-Million Dollar Endowment for University of Oklahoma Football Program, Giving Back to Support Youth Development and Further Cementing Their Legacy**
The University of Oklahoma has long been a powerhouse in college football, producing some of the game’s most electrifying talents. But few duos have left as indelible a mark as Adrian Peterson and Keith Jackson, whose explosive playmaking abilities during their time in Norman cemented them as one of the greatest pairings in the sport’s history. Now, decades after their dominance on the field, the two legends are giving back in a monumental way—announcing a multi-million dollar endowment to support the OU football program, with a focus on youth development and nurturing the next generation of Sooner greats.
Peterson, the transcendent running back whose 2004 freshman season remains one of the most dominant in college football history, and Jackson, the versatile tight end whose athleticism redefined the position in the late 1980s, have always been linked by their shared commitment to excellence. Though their careers at Oklahoma were separated by nearly two decades, their impact was equally seismic. Peterson rushed for 1,925 yards as a true freshman, finishing as the Heisman Trophy runner-up, while Jackson’s acrobatic catches and game-breaking speed made him a two-time All-American and a key piece of Barry Switzer’s high-powered offenses.
Now, the two icons are joining forces off the field, leveraging their success and influence to ensure that future Sooners have the resources to thrive. Their multi-million dollar endowment—one of the largest ever gifted by former OU athletes—will fund state-of-the-art training facilities, academic support programs, and community outreach initiatives aimed at fostering young athletes in Oklahoma and beyond.
“This program gave me everything,” Peterson said in an exclusive statement. “The lessons I learned here, the brotherhood, the coaches who pushed me—it shaped me into the man I am today. Keith and I wanted to make sure that the next generation has even more opportunities than we did. This is about leaving a legacy that goes beyond wins and losses.”
Jackson echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the importance of investing in youth. “Football is more than just a game; it’s a vehicle for growth, discipline, and dreams,” he said. “Adrian and I have been blessed, and now it’s our responsibility to pay it forward. This endowment is about ensuring that kids from all backgrounds have the chance to succeed, both on and off the field.”
The announcement has sent shockwaves through the college football world, with current and former Sooners praising the duo’s generosity. OU head coach Brent Venables called the gift “transformational,” adding that it will “elevate every aspect of our program.” Meanwhile, former teammates and rivals alike have taken to social media to applaud Peterson and Jackson for their commitment to the sport’s future.
Beyond the financial impact, the endowment symbolizes something deeper—a full-circle moment for two players whose careers were defined by relentless effort and a refusal to settle. Peterson, who went on to become one of the NFL’s greatest running backs, and Jackson, a Super Bowl champion and three-time Pro Bowler, have always carried the OU spirit with them. Now, they’re ensuring that spirit endures.
As the Sooners prepare for their transition into the SEC, the timing of this gift couldn’t be more symbolic. In an era where college athletics is increasingly defined by money and fleeting allegiances, Peterson and Jackson are making a statement: true legacy isn’t just about what you accomplish on the field, but what you build after the cheers fade.
For Oklahoma fans, this is more than just a donation—it’s a reaffirmation of what makes Sooner football special. And for Adrian Peterson and Keith Jackson, it’s the ultimate tribute to the place that made them legends. Together, they weren’t just one of the best playmaking duos in college football history. Now, they’re also one of its most impactful philanthropists—proving that greatness doesn’t end when the clock hits zero.
