William Jackson III

William Jackson III's Biography

William Jackson III, born October 27, 1992, has established a notable career in American professional football as a cornerback. Throughout his career, he has played with several teams including the Cincinnati Bengals, the Washington Football Team, presently known as the Washington Commanders, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Currently, he lends his skills to the league as a free agent.

Jackson’s journey began in the bustling Fifth Ward area of Houston, Texas where he was raised alongside three sisters and one brother. Early in his life, he cultivated a passion for football. He kick-started his football career at Wheatley High School where he impressed as a teammate of fellow future NFL cornerback Xavien Howard. Regarded as a three-star prospect by Rivals.com, his tenacity and skill in the game saw him earn a coveted scholarship to continue both his education and football career at the University of Houston.

Before immersing himself in the university football environment, he attended Trinity Valley Community College for his freshman year. As a sophomore, Jackson transferred to the University of Houston where he continued his athletic journey. The 2015 season witnessed Jackson’s prowess on the field. Breaking a remarkable 23 passes and gaining five interceptions, he left a marked impression as a formidable cornerback during his senior year.

Consequently, he attracted the attention of analysts looking at the deep cornerback class proceeding into the NFL Combine. Although many were focusing on top-rated players such as Vernon Hargreaves III, Jalen Ramsey, and Mackensie Alexander, Jackson stood out as a strong second-round selection. Unfortunately, he couldn’t complete all drills at the NFL Combine due to cramps. Nonetheless, he displayed commendable performance on the Houston’s Pro Day in 2016. Various prognostications pegged him as an early-round pick in the final pre-draft.

The Cincinnati Bengals were quick to recognise Jackson’s potential, picking him in the first round (24th overall) of the 2016 NFL draft. Jackson then inked a four-year, $9.07 million rookie contract with the Bengals on June 10, 2016. He battled against Darqueze Dennard to secure the Bengal’s third cornerback spot during the training camp. However, he suffered a significant setback, sustaining a torn pectoral muscle that required surgery, thus sidelining him for his entire rookie season.

In the 2017 season, Jackson returned to the field in peak form. He made his debut in the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens. His season highlight included a 75-yard touchdown from an interception, making him the second player in the NFL’s history to achieve such a feat against Aaron Rodgers, the quarterback for the Green Bay Packers. His performances in this season earned him a starting cornerback slot, recording a total of 27 tackles, 14 pass deflections, a sack, an interception, and a touchdown.

Jackson continued his momentum in the subsequent seasons, solidifying his status as a starting cornerback for the Bengals. During the 2019 season, though hampered by a shoulder injury, he still managed to finish the season with respectable stats. He recorded an interception off a pass thrown by Baker Mayfield, the quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, marking one of his season highlights.

In March 2021, Jackson embarked on a new chapter in his career by signing a three-year, $40.5 million contract with the Washington Commanders. He marked his first season with the team by intercepting a pass from Los Angeles Chargers’ quarterback Justin Herbert in the season opener. However, his stint with the Commanders was marred by a calf injury and a COVID-19 diagnosis that resulted in him missing the final two games of the 2021 season.

Jackson’s time with the Commanders came to an abrupt end after reportedly requesting a trade in October 2022. He was sidelined for three games before being traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in November 2022. Unfortunately, Jackson’s tenure with the Steelers was short-lived, as injury issues forced him onto injured reserve soon after. The Steelers released him on March 10, 2023, before making any on-field appearance.

Despite the fluctuations in his career, William Jackson III has positively influenced the sport and made a significant impression. As he navigates the unpredictability of his career, his potential and skill suggest an exciting future is still ahead.