Hackett signed with the New Jersey Generals of the United States Football League (USFL) on November 11, 1982.
[6] He was assigned jersey number 82 and spent a significant amount of time on the injured reserve list with a broken hand as well as on the developmental squad.
On Sunday, October 9, 1988, at Milwaukee County Stadium, Hackett would catch his first and only NFL touchdown reception from a two-yard pass thrown by quarterback Don Majkowski in a 45–3 victory against the New England Patriots.
[12] In early December 1988, Hackett was placed on the injured reserve list with severe back spasms.
[13] After the completion of his athletic career Hackett moved back to his hometown of Pleasant Garden, NC.