Michael Jackson III understood the assignment.
The Purdue Boilermakers' wide receiver found the end zone in the season opener Saturday against Ball State. And he paid tribute to his name.
Yep, that's right, some MJ dance moves for the Purdue wideout as a touchdown celebration.
Check it out:
Michael Jackson III with the Michael Jackson TD dance for Purdue! 🏈🕺 #CFB pic.twitter.com/gbR5kSE5ia
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) August 30, 2025
Jackson's touchdown came on a 14-yard completion to put Purdue up 28-0 in the third quarter.
He was Ryan Browne's favorite target on Saturday, a good sign for the season ahead for Jackson.
He's originally from Las Vegas, and he's played in two of the biggest programs in college football.
Out of high school, Jackson went to USC. He spent three seasons with the Trojans.
For the 2024 season, Jackson transferred to Georgia, where he caught just a single pass.
Now at Purdue, Jackson looks ready to contribute in a big way.
And when you're named after a pop legend, you find a way to pay a little homage. Yes, he has done this before, and Purdue is hoping it isn't for the last time.
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