Gabe Jackson

BIOGRAPHY

Gabriel C. Jackson, known as Gabe Jackson, born on July 12, 1991, is an acclaimed professional American football player with a significant history as a guard for several National Football League (NFL) teams.

Born and raised in Liberty, Mississippi, Jackson arose as a promising football talent from his high school days. He attended Amite County High School, where his father, Charles Jackson, served as his coach. He started both ways at tackle from the time he was a freshman. Up until his junior year, he was a teammate to offensive lineman James Brown and linebacker Damien Wilson.

Following Jackson’s senior season, he was listed among the top 40 high school prospects in the state of Mississippi by the Jackson Clarion-Ledger. Acquiring admiration as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, he ranked as the No. 91 offensive tackle prospect in the class of 2009. Despite attracting modest interest across several Southeastern Conference (SEC) schools and Southern Miss, he finally signed up with Mississippi State.

During his initial year at Mississippi State, Jackson redshirted, later securing the starting spot at left guard prior to the season opener against Memphis. His performance was consistently high, posting 40 knockdown blocks, and he was graded 80 percent or higher six times. His effective collaboration with running back Vick Ballard led the Mississippi State’s rushing attack to average 214.8 yards per game, ranking second in the SEC and 16th nationwide.

In his sophomore year, his contributions solidified as he started all 13 games at left guard, recording a team-high 69 takedowns and achieving champion grades in five games. He further helped the 2011 Bulldogs to post the top 10 single-season marks in passing touchdowns, passing completions, total yards, and first downs in school history. The Bulldogs opening line, featuring Jackson and left tackle James Carmon, acknowledged the fifth-fewest sacks in the SEC.

Jackson’s junior season continued to establish him in the left guard position, marking all 13 games and grading out as champion in all but one game. His performance was recognized with First-team All-SEC honors and was also named to the All-America Second-team, among other accolades.

Named 2013 preseason All-American by Athlon Sports and Phil Steele, and recognized as the best offensive lineman in the SEC by the Birmingham News, Jackson entered his senior season with significant anticipations. In recognition of his impressive achievements, he was named the inaugural winner of the Kent Hull Trophy and was also awarded the Conerly Trophy, as Mississippi’s top collegiate player overalls. At this point, Jackson was recognized as one of the leading interior offensive linemen for the 2014 NFL draft.

In the 2014 NFL draft, the Oakland Raiders selected Jackson in the third round, marking an important turning point in his career. Immediately, Jackson proved his value as he fit himself into the first-team lineup, starting in 13 games as a rookie at left guard.

In 2017, his significance for the Raiders was affirmed when he signed a five-year, $56 million contract extension with the team. However, this came with some controversy as Jackson was ejected during a game for pushing an official. Netflix injury forced the team to place him on injured reserve in December 2018.

Due to the pandemic in 2020, Jackson was briefly placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list in October, before being reactivated later the same month.

In 2021, he was traded to the Seattle Seahawks as a fifth-round pick. He was named the starting right guard for the next two years. However, a minor controversy arose when Jackson was ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct during a game. He was later fined $12,500.

In March 2023, the Seahawks released Jackson. Subsequently, he signed with the Carolina Panthers as part of their practice squad in November of the same year. Later, he was added to the active roster in December.

As his career has stood out for impressive skill and dedicated performance, Jackson continues to command respect and the attention of football fans and colleagues alike in the fiercely competitive world of professional football.