Rickey Jackson Claims Inaugural Bassmaster Randy Moss Pro-Am Title

The inaugural Bassmaster Randy Moss Pro Football Hall of Fame Pro-Am concluded Monday on the scenic St. Lawrence River in Clayton, New York, with a surprising champion emerging from the ranks of gridiron legends. Hall of Famer Rickey Jackson, a formidable linebacker during his NFL career, partnered with Bassmaster Elite pro John Garrett to secure victory in the event’s first-ever outing.

Hall of Famers and Pros Hit the Water

This unique tournament brought together eight Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees and eight accomplished Bassmaster Elite Series anglers for a single day of competitive fishing. The goal was to blend the worlds of professional football and professional bass fishing, creating an unforgettable experience for all involved.

Rickey Jackson, a Super Bowl XXIX champion hailing from Pahokee, Florida, drew upon his upbringing near Lake Okeechobee to guide his success. Paired with John Garrett, a two-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier, Jackson’s team landed a total weight of 21 pounds, 10 ounces. Reflecting on the win, Jackson drew a parallel to his most significant football achievement, stating, “I mean, it’s kind of like winning the Super Bowl.” He humorously noted, however, that this victory lacked the perk of a trip to Disney World.

Close Competition for Top Honors

The competition was fierce, with several teams vying for the top spot. Joe Thomas, a former NFL offensive tackle, made his presence known with pre-tournament bravado, playfully challenging Randy Moss and boasting about his own fishing prowess. Thomas, fishing with Jay Przekurat, nearly lived up to his confident predictions, finishing a close second with a total weight of 21 pounds, 5 ounces, just five ounces shy of Jackson’s winning catch. Thomas continued his lighthearted banter, even at the weigh-in, suggesting a bit of playful “cheating” from the Wisconsin angler.

Rounding out the top finishers was offensive lineman Kevin Mawae, who secured third place with 20 pounds, 6 ounces, alongside his partner Robert Gee. Mawae revealed a surprising connection to the sport, living near the renowned Toledo Bend Reservoir and spending considerable time fishing. When asked about joining the professional tour, Mawae quipped that he’d need his wife’s approval, sponsors, and, of course, a boat, adding, “You don’t have to have a boat… But you gotta make sure you’re friendly with a neighbor who does.”

Creative Strategies and Unexpected Talents

Fourth place went to Packers legend Dave Robinson, a two-time Super Bowl champion under Vince Lombardi. Paired with the 2024 Bassmaster Classic champion Justin Hamner, Robinson’s team weighed in 17 pounds, 15 ounces. Robinson admitted to having very low expectations for his own skills, rating his confidence at a “negative two” out of ten. In a testament to creative, if unconventional, bait selection, Hamner revealed that Robinson attempted to use beef jerky on his hook, a tactic that, while amusing, did not result in any catches.

Cornerback Ronde Barber and Elite pro Tucker Smith claimed fifth place with 16 pounds, 14 ounces. Barber, known for his defensive prowess, humorously assigned his pro partner the role of a nickelback on his NFL team. Meanwhile, Robert Brazile, affectionately known as “Doctor Doom” during his playing days, teamed up with Tyler Williams to finish sixth, bringing in 14 pounds, 3 ounces. Brazile found unexpected joy in the angling pursuit, stating, “I never thought I could enjoy something more than football. This is better than football.”

Randy Moss’s Vision for the Event

The man behind the event, Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss, fished with 2025 Bassmaster Classic champion Easton Fothergill. Their team secured seventh place with a weight of 13 pounds, 11 ounces. Moss, who grew up with a love for the outdoors, conceived this tournament to share his passion for fishing with his fellow Hall of Fame brothers. He aimed to create an annual event that would foster camaraderie beyond their shared football experiences and introduce them to the tranquility of waters like the St. Lawrence River.

“I just wanted to team up, bring the two together, and see if we can put something on for years to come,” Moss shared before the tournament. “This is the first annual, and I look forward to it.” He emphasized his desire to pull his peers out of their usual football-centric circles and introduce them to a new, engaging activity.

A Memorable Experience for All

Even the team that finished last, Pro Football Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson and Elite pro Brandon Palaniuk, had reason to celebrate. Their team weighed in 11 pounds, 13 ounces, but crucially, they also secured the day’s Phoenix Boats Big Bass award for landing a 7-pound smallmouth bass. Johnson, known as “Megatron” during his legendary NFL career, downplayed his angling contributions but admitted the experience was profound. “This is truly a one-of-a-kind experience for me,” Johnson remarked, adding that the day’s events had him contemplating purchasing a boat.

Based on the enthusiastic reactions from the participants, Randy Moss’s vision for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Pro-Am appears to have been a resounding success. The blend of competitive spirit from two different sports, set against the backdrop of the St. Lawrence River, provided a unique and memorable occasion, hinting at a promising future for this annual event.