Hall of Fame
Jessie Small played four seasons, 1985-1988, for head coach Roy Kidd’s EKU Colonels at the defensive end position. He was a two-time All-OVC performer and in his senior season was named first team All-America by Kodak, Football News and Sports Network. He continues to hold the Eastern single season record for quarterback sacks with 13. Following his playing career at Eastern, the Philadelphia Eagles chose him as the 49th pick of the NFL Draft. While playing three seasons for the Eagles, Small played in 47 games, starting 23. In 1990, he was ranked fourth, behind Reggie White, Seth Joyner and Clyde Simmons, in quarterback sacks as part of the Eagles’ “Gang Green” defense. Following his years with the Eagles, his NFL career continued with the Arizona Cardinals and Houston Oilers. Small then spent a stint in the Canadian Football League with the Hamilton Tiger Cats for three years, where he totaled 109 solo tackles, 105 assists, 25 quarterback sacks and an interception. He has continued his love for education following his days in the NFL. He has accomplished an associate of arts degree in criminal investigation from Florida Metropolitan University; a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice (Summa Cum Laude) and a master’s degree in business administration from Everest University; and recently completed a Doctorate of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership and Change Management (Magna Cum Laude) from Walden University. Small has devoted his life to mentoring youth in the communities in which he has lived.
