D'Marco Jackson

D'Marco Carnelius Jackson (born July 20, 1998) is an American professional football linebacker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Appalachian State Mountaineers.

Early life Jackson grew up in Spartanburg, South Carolina and attended Broome High School. As a senior, Jackson was a finalist for the South Carolina's Mr. Football award. As a senior, Jackson recorded 78 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and a sack. He was listed as a two-star recruit and the 61st best player in South Carolina by 247Sports.com. Jackson committed to Appalachian State University over offers from Charlotte and Georgia Southern.

College career Jackson redshirted his first year on campus and appeared in all 13 games as a redshirt freshman, recording 25 tackles and two tackles for loss. The following season, Jackson had 60 tackles and three sacks. Both of Jackson's interceptions came in a 45–17 victory over Arkansas State. Jackson played in all 14 games his senior season. He would have a career high 119 tackles and six sacks, as well as a forced fumble. Jackson would play in 53 games with the Mountaineers, were they amassed a record of 43–10.

Professional career

New Orleans Saints Jackson was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round (161st overall) of the 2022 NFL draft. He was placed on injured reserve on August 9, 2022.

On August 26, 2025, Jackson was waived by the Saints as part of final roster cuts.

Chicago Bears On August 27, 2025, Jackson was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Bears.

Although primarily a special teams player for the 2025 season, Jackson became the Bears' starting middle linebacker for their Week 12 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to injuries. As the defense's play caller, he led the Bears in tackles with 15 as they won 31–28. In Week 15, Jackson recorded his first career sack and interception off the Cleveland Browns' Shedeur Sanders; he was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week, the first Bears linebacker to receive the honor since Danny Trevathan in 2018.

On March 9, 2026, Jackson re-signed with the Bears on a two-year, $7.5 million contract.

Personal life Jackson is the cousin of former NFL running back Maurice Morris.