Mike Chappell

mike.chappell@indystar.com

Clevelanders were sorry to see D'Qwell Jackson pack his bags and relocate to Indianapolis in March, and that was only partly because of the veteran linebacker's efforts for their beloved/beleaguered Browns.

Those involved with enriching Cleveland's inner-city youth remember him lending his broad shoulders to help construct a playground for a school last fall as part of the Browns' Hometown Huddle project.

Youngsters were able to experience the NFL game-day experience through Jackson's Real Hope, Real Dream ticket program.

The appreciation in Michael Cox's voice was profound as he related an event last December that ensured 100 needy kids enjoyed Christmas. Santa Claus arrived, bearing gifts, in the form of Jackson and some of his teammates.

"I'm talking about from TVs to bicycles to those video games," said Cox, director of Cleveland Parks. "You'd have to have seen it to believe what that meant to those kids and this city.

"Anything you would ask of them, they would come out and do it. Mr. Jackson would come out and do it. It was amazing, truly amazing."

Jackson offered a quiet shrug as he talked of giving back to the community, often away from the cameras and microphones. He waded in whenever possible during his eight-year stay in Cleveland. He plans to do likewise as soon as he completes his transition to Indianapolis.

"Now it's just moving and getting into my new place," said Jackson, who's single but has a girlfriend. "I've got to deal with all that stuff first before I sink my heels into the community."

At some point, he'll reach out and try to make a difference.

That's so much a part of who he is.

"When we lost him from the Cleveland Browns, I was crushed," said Jenner Tekancic, the team's director of community relations. "It was completely bittersweet because we lost a community role model. He leaves such a big hole for us from a community standpoint just because he was such a good leader.

"But on the sweet end of it, we know his presence will be felt no matter where he is, and especially there with the Colts."

Shoring up the 'D'

General Manager Ryan Grigson's first move at shoring up the Colts' No. 20-ranked defense came March 6 when he signed Jackson to a four-year, $22 million contract that included $11 million in guarantees.

The Browns had terminated Jackson's contract in late February in a cost-cutting move. A $4.1 million roster bonus was due in mid-March and he rebuffed the team's attempt at renegotiating the contract.

Indianapolis was Jackson's only visit.

"I wanted stability," he said, noting the constant turnover of coaches and players in Cleveland was frustrating. "Everyone I spoke to when I was doing that process of free agency, (including) the guys that weren't here anymore, they reached out to me and said this was a great organization to play for."

Several players told Jackson if he visited the Colts, he wouldn't leave their Northwestside headquarters without a contract, he said.

"And that's what happened," he said.

Among the team's top offseason priorities was upgrading the run defense — ranked No. 26 in the league in 2013 — by strengthening the front seven.

Enter Jackson. In three seasons since missing 2010 with a pectoral injury, he started all 48 games and led Cleveland in tackles each year. He piled up at least 100 tackles five times, including 141 last season.

"He's a three-down 'backer," coach Chuck Pagano said. "He brings a ton to the table that way. A great leader and great football intelligence.

"His play speaks for itself. A ton of tackles. He's going to be great. Just a great mentor, great leader."

In his eight years in Cleveland, the Browns never sniffed the postseason. They were 41-87. They went 10-6 in 2007 but never won more than five games in any other season.

"This is a new chapter in my career," said Jackson, 30. "I'm excited. If anything, this sparks that youth bug in me, that Fountain of Youth.

"I'm definitely energized to be in this building, playing for this organization."

Familiar face, voice

No sooner had Jackson agreed to terms with the Colts than his cellphone sprang to life. Trent Richardson was on the other end. The former Browns had been reunited.

"I couldn't believe it when (the Browns) released him," said Richardson, acquired by the Colts in a September trade with Cleveland. "I was like, 'What in the world is going on?'

"Then my brother told me we had signed D'Qwell. I was like, 'Shut up! Why you lyin' to me?'"

Richardson considered Jackson more than a former teammate. He was a friend, a mentor.

"Big-time friends," Richardson said. "It's much more than football between us."

Jackson had firmly established himself as a locker room leader when Richardson arrived in 2012 as a much-hyped first-round draft pick. Jackson helped Richardson deal with his transition from standout running back at Alabama to being the third overall pick in the draft.

"They were looking for him to be the savior," Jackson said, shaking his head.

Jackson advised the rookie to be himself, simply do his part. That included dealing with a rib injury that hampered Richardson throughout much of his first season.

When the Browns rocked Richardson's world with the trade to Indianapolis, it was Jackson who reached out.

"He was shocked. Everybody was shocked," Richardson said. "He didn't agree with it, but he told me it was the best thing for me.

"He looked at the best side of it, the business side. He told me it would add years to my career."

Richardson believes the Colts acquired a defensive enforcer in Jackson. He's also convinced they added an invaluable presence, another leader.

"When it comes down to it, you can always count on D'Qwell,'' Richardson said. "He's going to give his best and he's going to get the best out of everybody.

"They brought him in because they know he can be that guy. Leadership is his best quality. He's not going to BS you."

Giving back

Jackson's objective has been unwavering since entering the NFL as a 2006 second-round draft pick. Along with making his mark on the playing field, he's been committed to leaving footprints away from it.

"It's important for players to focus on the community, to show your face and show people we're good people," Jackson said.

That approach has transcended his immediate surroundings.

Last offseason, Jackson was part of the annual NFL-USO tour that visited U.S. military bases in the Middle East.

"I've always had an appreciation for the uniform," he said. "Those guys thanked us for coming over, but they have no idea the appreciation we have for what they do. I'm talking about 18-, 20-year old kids.

"They were just thrilled to see us, just to break up their day. Looking back, it was one of the better decisions and trips I've ever made."

He has made mission trips to Sierra Leone in Africa and partnered with Team Gleason, a program founded by former New Orleans Saints Steve Gleason designed to raise awareness for Lou Gehrig's disease, also called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.

And he has done his part to bring a measure of holiday joy to underprivileged children in Cleveland.

Cox witnessed Jackson's benevolence firsthand. He saw his impact.

"It is important to him to give back," Cox said, "and that's the kind of conversation he had with the kids. He told them that if they ever got to that position, you have to do the same thing. You have to pay it forward.

"Mr. Jackson was a great asset to our community. We're sorry to lose him. Hopefully he'll be doing the same thing in Indianapolis, because all children need that kind of reach-out effort."

Call Star reporter Mike Chappell at (317) 444-6830. Follow him on Twitter: @mchappell51.