The search for Jackie Wallace

February 3, 2018 9:36 PM

The search for Jackie Wallace A New Orleans football legend reached the pinnacle of the sport. Then everything came crashing down. This is the story of his downfall, redemption, and disappearance.

One foot in front of the other, the hulking old man trudged up the ramp to the Pontchartrain Expressway. A cold wind stiffened his face, so he bundled tighter and kept walking. His decision was made. A life full of accolades and praise meant nothing to him now. A man who was once the pride of his New Orleans hometown, his St. Augustine alma mater and his 7th Ward family and friends was undone. He was on his way to die.

posted by bongo_x (4 comments total)

That is a remarkable piece of journalism. So incredibly sad, yet, I imagine, minus the “former NFL star” angle, an experience very reminiscent of many people caught up in addiction.
posted by The Gooch at 10:05 PM on February 3, 2018 [2 favorites]

Amazing story. Thanks for posting it.
posted by mogget at 10:08 PM on February 3, 2018

Read this piece via a link on Twitter even though I’m not a sports guy. Thought it seemed like a Metafilter-worthy piece. Good to see someone already shared it.
posted by larrybob at 8:30 AM on February 4, 2018 [2 favorites]

Thanks for posting this.
posted by holborne at 2:14 PM on February 4, 2018 [1 favorite]