Kareem Jackson

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Lore & Background

Jackson's path to the NFL began at Westside High School in Macon, Georgia, where he excelled as a running back with 1,436 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns as a senior. He later attended Fork Union Military Academy, converting to cornerback and earning four-star recruit status by Rivals.com. At Alabama, he was an immediate impact player; as a true freshman, he started 12 games, recording three interceptions and 66 tackles to earn Freshman All-American honors. Over his college career, he accumulated 49 tackles as a junior with one interception and 13 pass breakups. On January 15, 2010, he declared for the NFL draft, entering as a top prospect ranked fifth-best cornerback by multiple outlets.

In Their Own Story

Selected 20th overall by the Houston Texans in 2010, Jackson signed a five-year, $13.52 million contract with $7.36 million guaranteed. His rookie season saw him start all 16 games, recording 71 combined tackles and two interceptions, including one against Eli Manning. In 2012, he had his best statistical year, posting four interceptions and a career-high 16 pass deflections. A highlight came on October 5, 2014, when he recorded nine combined tackles in a loss to the Dallas Cowboys, followed by two interceptions of Joe Flacco against the Ravens on December 21. Despite facing fines for rough hits, such as the $42,000 penalty in 2013, and playing through injuries like a fractured rib, Jackson remained a consistent starter for the Texans before moving to the Broncos and Bills.

Reader's Guide

Jackson's career is defined by his versatility and resilience. Starting as a running back in high school, he successfully converted to cornerback at Fork Union Military Academy, eventually becoming a first-round NFL pick. In 2012, he led the team with four interceptions and recorded a touchdown on a 63-yard return against the Tennessee Titans. After his time in Houston, he joined the Denver Broncos and later the Buffalo Bills. Now serving as an area scout for the Broncos, Jackson applies his 15 years of NFL experience to evaluate future talent.

Did You Know?

• Jackson converted from running back to cornerback while attending Fork Union Military Academy.
• In his rookie season (2010), Jackson started all 16 games and recorded a career-high 71 combined tackles.
• On October 14, 2012, he returned an interception 63 yards for his first career touchdown against the Tennessee Titans.
• Jackson was fined $42,000 in 2013 for a hit on Kendall Wright that resulted in a concussion.
• He missed Weeks 11 and 12 of the 2013 season due to a fractured rib.