MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Seahawks depth chart: Backup QB Tarvaris Jackson embraces role, but dreams of Super Bowl

Jan 9, 2014, 6:37 AM | Updated: Jan 20, 2014, 10:25 am

Seahawks backup quarterback Tarvaris Jackson says he is ready to play should the opportunity arise ...

Seahawks backup quarterback Tarvaris Jackson says he is ready to play should the opportunity arise during Saturday's game against the New Orleans Saints. While he embraces his role as backup to Russell Wilson, he said his dream would be to take his team to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/File)

(AP Photo/File)

Some might call him an insurance policy, but Seahawks backup quarterback Tarvaris Jackson has something that even starting QB Russell Wilson lacks. He has eight years in the NFL and the experience, both on and off the field, to match.

At 30 years old, Jackson’s role on the team extends well beyond the sidelines. The sometimes soft-spoken father of two often serves as a source of advice for younger players, including Wilson.

“I’m one of the oldest guys on the team,” he said. “I just try to be a leader for some of the younger guys. If they need some help with anything, not just all football stuff, they come ask me all types of questions because they know I’ve probably experienced it. I’m like the uncle on the team, I guess.”

But there are still life lessons that Jackson has yet to learn for himself. For instance, how can someone who has made millions of dollars playing football let his car run out of gas?

“A lot of people, they didn’t believe me. They were like, ‘Did you really run out of gas?’ I really ran out of gas,” Jackson said with a laugh when asked about a photo he tweeted of his brand new red sports car on the side of the road.

“I was actually rushing trying to get home and meet someone really quick,” he said. “It wasn’t the first time either. It’s kind of embarrassing, but I just hate stopping by the gas station. I don’t know what it is. I just don’t like stopping.”

Besides his odd aversion for fueling up, you might also be surprised to learn that Jackson is a great cook – when he has the time.

“I like experimenting, just doing little stuff here and there,” he said. “More so in the off season, I really cook a lot. It’s one of my favorite pastimes.”
His best dish?

“I’d say my sauteed shrimp.”

But for right now, Jackson is focused on his play – not the kitchen.

“Everybody is looking for Russell to take us to the Super Bowl and win the Super Bowl,” he said. “So, if my chance comes or my opportunity knocks, you know, I want to make sure I’m ready. You have to stay ready, because at any point in time – one play – you could be in there and you could be the starter.”

Jackson, who has been both starting quarterback and backup quarterback for the Seahawks and the Minnesota Vikings (he was also traded to the Buffalo Bills, but never saw playing time,) said he is ready to play and ready to win should the team need him. While he has no hard feelings about being in Russell Wilson’s shadow, he does wish it were the other way around.

“You don’t want to be on the sideline watching like a fan or anything,” Jackson said. “You want to be the guy. It’s always been my dream to be the guy and to be the starting quarterback. If it was my dream, the way I wanted it to be, of course I’d be leading my team to the Super Bowl.”

MyNorthwest News

belltown hellcat social media...

Frank Sumrall

Infamous ‘Belltown Hellcat’ social media influencer charged with reckless driving

The social media influencer has been accused of driving 107 miles per hour through Belltown in a Dodge Hellcat.

28 minutes ago

KIRO Newsradio gracie awards...

MyNorthwest Staff

KIRO Newsradio anchors receive Gracie Awards for outstanding work

Heather Bosch and Lisa Brooks, anchors at KIRO Newsradio, have been honored by the Alliance for Women in Media with prestigious Gracie Awards.

3 hours ago

Kia Boys...

Kate Stone and Bill Kaczaraba

‘Kia Boyz’ allegedly execute a crime spree in south King County

Renton police chased down a 14-and 16-year-old but are still looking for two other teen suspects in what they said was a "crime spree" in south King County.

5 hours ago

Spanaway woman shot dead...

Kate Stone

Search for shooter continues after woman shot dead while driving in Spanaway

A 47-year-old woman was shot dead in Spanaway, causing her to hit another driver head-on early Wednesday morning.

6 hours ago

nintendo redmond...

Frank Sumrall

Nintendo to lay off 86 Redmond employees this spring

Nintendo of America is laying off 86 contract workers in Redmond, beginning May 25, due to company reorganization.

6 hours ago

Everett boy missing...

Sam Campbell

4-year-old Everett boy missing, police worried he’s in danger

Police and Search and Rescue crews are looking for a missing four-year-old boy they suspect could be in danger.

8 hours ago

Seahawks depth chart: Backup QB Tarvaris Jackson embraces role, but dreams of Super Bowl