Jackson State University legendary coach James “Big Daddy” Carson was honored Oct. 9, when a portion of Poindexter Drive was renamed Coach James Carson Drive. The ribbon cutting ceremony, which took place on the corner of Walter Payton and Carson Drive, was attended by Zelma Carson (coach Carson’s widow), Ricardo Carson (coach Carson’s son), Jackson Councilman Kenneth I. Stokes and a host of friends and family. As JSU’s head coach from 1992 to 1998, Carson never had a losing season. He posted a career 54-25-1 record. He led JSU to three NCAA D-IAA playoff appearances, as well as a Black College National Championship in 1996. As a football player at Jackson State, Carson played offensive guard and nose tackle. He was received NAIA honorable mention All-America honors in 1962.
Carson passed away in 1999 at age 59.
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