Ellis Jackson: The British Hornets Fan Building a Legacy One Jersey at a Time
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Ellis Jackson has never stepped foot in Charlotte, nor has he ever witnessed a Hornets game live. It’s a surprising fact for a man whose passion for the team burns brighter than most homegrown fans.
“Never,” Jackson says with a chuckle. “And that shocks a lot of people.”
Despite living halfway across the world in Gloucestershire, England, the 33-year-old’s infatuation with the Charlotte Hornets is something he describes as a borderline obsession. It all began nearly a decade ago with a thoughtful gift from his wife’s aunt.
“She bought me my first Hornets jersey — a Kemba Walker jersey,” Jackson recalls. “I think it was the color that caught my attention. But honestly, it might have been how I felt when I first put it on. Either way, that one jersey quickly turned into a full collection.”
What started as a single jersey has since grown into an impressive trove of Hornets memorabilia. For Jackson, it’s more than just a hobby; it’s a “guilty pleasure” that has filled his life with excitement and purpose.
“It’s something I’m going to keep doing as long as I can afford it,” he admits, a grin crossing his face.
As a recruiter, Jackson enjoys a comfortable living, which he credits as the reason he’s willing to open his wallet for his collection. He estimates that he’s spent around $50,000 over the years acquiring pieces that range from the wear-and-tear of daily replicas to the pristine condition of rare, game-worn jerseys.
“The replicas are the ones I wear regularly,” he explains. “The ones you can wear without worrying if your daughter gets porridge on them.”
But there are some jerseys that remain untouchable, kept safe in a state of perfect preservation. “Ricky Pierce, of course!” Jackson exclaims, pulling out a pair of his 1996-1997 gold logo, 50th anniversary, game-worn jerseys. “I’ve got two of these!”
As his collection has grown, so has Jackson’s status as a self-proclaimed “team historian.” His curated jerseys, along with stories behind each one, are proudly showcased on his social media pages, where fans can get a glimpse into his world. In fact, it was through his online presence that we first discovered Jackson’s story.
His collection spans the full range of Hornets history, from iconic names like Larry Johnson and Alonzo Mourning to less-celebrated players like Johnny Newman.
“Not many people have this one,” he says with a smile, holding up Newman’s old No. 22 jersey, a true rarity in the world of Hornets memorabilia.
The thrill of the hunt keeps Jackson’s collection growing, and eBay has become his primary source. “Finding Hornets gear in the UK is almost impossible, so I’ve got to rely on online auctions,” he says. “That’s part of what makes it so special — the hunt.”
Though Jackson’s dream of attending a game at the Spectrum Center remains unrealized, one thing is certain: When the day comes, he’ll be ready. With his expansive wardrobe of jerseys, Ellis Jackson will have no trouble finding the perfect outfit to represent his beloved Hornets. Until then, the hunt continues, and his collection grows ever more impressive.