Eddie Jackson

BIOGRAPHY

Eddie Jackson is a dynamic and impactful American football player with exceptional talent and determination that have contributed significantly to his career. Jackson, most notably known for his role as the free safety for the Chicago Bears in the National Football League (NFL), has created a name for himself through his consistent commitment to enhancing his skills and contribution to the sport.

Born on December 10, 1992, in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, Jackson’s passion for football developed during his early years. He attended Boyd H. Anderson High School where his inclination towards sports, particularly football, began to distinctly emerge.

After high school, Jackson moved to the University of Alabama, one of the most successful college football programs in recent history. He initially played as a cornerback but later moved to safety in his junior year. During his collegiate career, he showed remarkable performance, particularly in the 2015 season where he had six interceptions which he returned for 230 yards and two touchdowns. However, his senior season was cut short by a devastating leg injury. Despite this, he was a key contributor in helping Alabama win the 2015 National Championship.

Jackson’s NFL journey started when he was drafted in the fourth round (112th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. Despite his college injury posing as a concern for many teams, the Bears’ faith in Jackson was not unwarranted. He made his professional regular-season debut and first career start in the Bear’s season-opener against the Atlanta Falcons and recorded three combined tackles and deflected a pass during their 23–17 loss.

On October 22, 2017, Jackson had a breakout performance that highlighted his extraordinary talent on a larger stage. In a game against the Carolina Panthers, he scored two defensive touchdowns, one on a 75-yard fumble recovery and the other on a 76-yard interception return. With this, Jackson became the first player in NFL history to score multiple 75+ yard defensive touchdowns in the same game.

After the remarkable rookie season, Jackson continued to improve and break records. In his second season, he was selected to the 2019 Pro Bowl and was named a first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press. The same year, NFL Top 100 Players ranked him the 30th best player overall.

In 2020, Jackson agreed to a four-year, $58.4M contract extension with the Bears, making him the highest-paid safety in NFL history at the time. This contract represented a notable accomplishment in Jackson’s career, reflecting his growth as a player and his value to the Chicago Bears.

Jackson’s notable playing style marked by agility, quick decision-making, and an exceptional understanding of the sport has earned him significant recognition in the NFL. Despite facing challenges and hurdles, he behaves like a true sportsman on the field, constantly pushing his boundaries and setting higher benchmarks.

Off the field, Jackson is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly with his foundation called ‘Eddie Jackson’s Remain to Reach.’ The foundation aims at mentoring and counseling at-risk youth and young adults, stimulating them to make better choices in life.

His journey to the NFL is one filled with resilience, hard work, and an unwavering belief in his abilities. Despite suffering a major setback with his injury in college, Jackson never wavered from his dream. His admirable work ethic, combined with his raw talent, has propelled him forward in his career, establishing him as one of the NFL’s top safeties. Today, Eddie Jackson stands as not only an inspiration to young football players but also as a beacon of determination and perseverance in the face of adversity.