As a child, Michael attended Sarasota County Schools where he graduated from Sarasota High School, Class of 2005. At an early age, Michael had an encounter with God when he served as a Junior Usher under the leadership of his aunt, the late Sheila Jackson-Brown. Not only did he serve in his church, he also served in his community where he became a hometown legend and icon.

As a Sailor senior in 2004, he set the state’s single-season prep record and scored 37 touchdowns. He ran for 200 or more yards in 11 consecutive games, a Florida record. He was ranked number seven in the top 100 all-time football players from Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte counties; however, in the hearts and minds of his family, friends, and fans, he was always Number 1.

After high school, he was a student-athlete at Hargrave Military Academy, a Junior College in Mississippi, and the University of South Florida. From 2007-2009, he averaged 10.4 yards per carry, the fifth-most in program history. Professionally, he went on to play for the Canadian Football League’s Toronto Argonauts, before transitioning to a career as a professional boxer. Mike’s professional boxing record was 6-2, with 5 knockout wins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Ford Jr.; his grandmothers, Helen Jackson and Alberta Jackson; his grandfathers, Nathaniel Jackson and Robert Ford Sr; and his aunts, Vickie Jackson Spradley and Sheila Jackson-Brown.

Michael leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Dondra Jackson; his siblings Deondra and Robert; his children ZhaMari, Michael Jr., Aniyah, Delondra, Jamicah, Lyndon, Ryan, Ginott St. Fleur, Gino St. Fleur, Ameerah, and Stephon; his fiancée Cycharo Monts; his godsister Otiona; his aunts Tiffany, Evelyn, Camilla (Kane), Janie, Patricia, Rosalind, Dorothy, Irene, and Shirley; his uncles Timothy (DD), Anthony, James, and Steve; his great aunt Sarah Smith; honorary grandmother, Julia “Brownie” Hugan; and a host of family and friends.

The legend continues.

Visitation will be held from 6:00pm-8:00pm on Fri., May 24, 2024 at Jones Funeral Home. Services will be held 12:00pm on Sat., May 25, 2024 at House of God Church. Burial will be held at Palms Memorial Park. Funeral arrangements by Jones Funeral Home.