Springdale, AR – Senior linebacker Leron Jackson has become a standout on the Springdale High football field, leading the team in tackles and placing among the top 20 players statewide in the category. What makes Jackson’s achievement especially noteworthy is his lifelong battle with hearing loss, a condition that runs in his family.

Family background and early challenges

Jackson was born hard of hearing and has relied on hearing aids for most of his life. His mother, Leora, shares the same condition. “I was in the hospital and they said he failed his newborn hearing screening test, and I said, ‘Test it again,’” Leora recalled. She initially struggled to accept that her son might experience the same challenges she faced, but soon recognized that she could be his best advocate.

Adapting on the football field

On game day, the heat and sweat can cause Jackson’s hearing aids to shut off, leaving him unable to hear his coaches. When this happens, he switches to hand signals from the sidelines, a system already used by Springdale’s defense to communicate plays. This redundancy helps mitigate the impact of his hearing aids failing at critical moments.

Jackson has also encountered practical obstacles. Leora recounted times when she was called down from the stands to replace his hearing‑aid batteries. After a hard hit, the hearing aid can even fall out. “Because my hearing aid is green, I’m looking on the grass,” Jackson said. “It hinders me a lot, but I just have to deal with it.”

Coach’s perspective

Head coach Brett Hobbs praised Jackson’s perseverance, noting that the young athlete’s ability to overcome both football and life challenges speaks to his character. “It is very difficult to not only play a game, and play the game of football, but just in life in general,” Hobbs said. “And that just shows you what type of person he is, to be able to overcome that.”

Inspiration from other athletes

Jackson draws strength from other athletes who have succeeded despite disabilities. “I’ve seen a lot of people play football with one hand, you know, blind, deaf,” he said. “So I know I’m blessed to have my hearing aids.”

His story underscores the importance of resilience, family support, and adaptive strategies in high school athletics. As Jackson prepares for his final season, his teammates and coaches look forward to seeing him continue to lead on defense while navigating the unique challenges of his hearing impairment.

Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.