Kareem Jackson

Kareem Jackson's Biography

Kareem Jackson, hailing from Macon, Georgia, is an accomplished American professional football player, well-known for his role as a safety for the Buffalo Bills in the National Football League (NFL). Born on April 10, 1988, Jackson’s journey from high school athletics to professional football has been marked by incredible talent and consistent hard work.

During his senior year at Westside High School, Jackson mainly served as a running back, amassing an impressive1,436 rushing yards with 20 rushing touchdowns. His versatility allowed him to receive nine receptions for 256 yards with two receiving touchdowns. After graduating high school, Jackson attended Fork Union Military Academy, where he transitioned from running back to cornerback.

Rated as a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, Jackson’s reputation as a strong player escalated when he was listed as the 17th best prep school prospect in 2007. He soon became part of Alabama Crimson Tide, his college football team, as a true freshman, appearing in 13 games and making 12 starts in his first season. He showed promise as a new recruit; he recorded 66 tackles, making him fifth-best on the team and achieving Freshman All-American honors.

In his sophomore year, Jackson elevated his performance and secured the eighth position on the team with 44 tackles. As a junior, he proved his merit by starting in all 14 games and making the fifth-most tackles on the team. He further played a significant role in intercepting a pass and breaking up 13 passes during the season.

Jackson’s performance was not unnoticed. In the 2010 NFL draft, he got his first shot at professional football when he was picked in the first round by the Houston Texans. Here, he would continue to evolve and refine his skills as he embraced his career in the big leagues.

Entering the Houston Texans, Jackson was instantly marked for greatness. He made his professional debut in the regular season against the Indianapolis Colts, where he secured four solo tackles and a pass deflection in a victorious match. His rookie season was capped off with substantial stats – 71 combined tackles, 10 pass deflections, and two interceptions, all while playing in all 16 regular season games for the Texans.

After a successful rookie year, Jackson continued to prove himself as a valuable player. Despite facing competition in 2011, he started the regular season as the left cornerback opposite newly signed Joseph. The season was fruitful with victories and numerous tackles, solidifying his position on the team.

In 2012, Jackson had the best statistical season of his career, making 53 combined tackles, a career-high 16 pass deflections, a career-high four interceptions, and a touchdown, in 16 games with 15 starts. He was named the seventh-best cornerback in coverage and was ranked 12th in success rate among qualified cornerbacks.

In the years that followed, Jackson continued to set a high bar with his performance, even as the competition in the team intensified with new additions. He further maintained his high performance during his time with the Texans, recording impressive statistics each season.

In 2015, Jackson entered the unrestricted free-agent market as one of the most sought-after cornerbacks. He didn’t disappoint and was signed back to the Texans on a four-year, $34 Million contract with $20 Million guaranteed and a $9 Million signing bonus. He continued to excel in his performances and maintained a strong presence in the team.

Despite setbacks due to injuries, Jackson managed to consistently showcase his prowess on the field. He finished the 2016 season with 62 combined tackles, four pass deflections, an interception, and a touchdown in 14 games with 13 starts.

The talent and skills that Jackson honed since his high school years asserted his place among the best in NFL history. Today, he is still remembered as a relentless and talented player, carving out an illustrious career with both the Houston Texans and then the Denver Broncos.

Across his career, Jackson has embedded a mark of excellence on the field and has consistently been a value-add for whichever team he has played highlighting his versatility, his athleticism, and his overall skillful handling of the game. His journey from a high school senior running back to a renowned NFL safety for the Buffalo Bills is not just a testiment to his talent and hard work, but also serves as inspiration for many young athletes.