Jackson Woodard

Ernest Jackson Woodard (born July 2, 2002) is an American professional football linebacker for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Arkansas Razorbacks and UNLV Rebels.

Early life Woodard attended Little Rock Christian Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was an unranked recruit and received offers from schools such as Southern Nazarene and VMI. However, Woodard decided to commit to play college football for the Arkansas Razorbacks as a preferred walk-on.

College career Arkansas In three seasons at Arkansas from 2020 to 2022, Woodard played in 28 games where he totaled 16 tackles, and a pass deflection. After the 2022 season, he entered his name into the NCAA transfer portal.

UNLV Woodard transferred to play for the UNLV Rebels. In his first season with UNLV in 2023, he had a breakout season notching 116 tackles with nine being for a loss, two and a half sacks, four pass deflections, and an interception. In the 2024 season opener, Woodard was named the Mountain West Conference defensive player of the week after posting 11 tackles with four being for a loss, three sacks, and a pass deflection in a win over Houston.

Professional career

Seattle Seahawks Woodard signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent on May 2, 2025. He was waived four days later.

Houston Texans On May 7, 2025, Woodard was claimed off waivers by the Houston Texans. He was waived on August 26 as part of final roster cuts, and re-signed to the practice squad. On November 20, the Texans added Woodard to their roster as a standard gameday practice squad elevation.

Miami Dolphins On December 17, 2025, Woodard was signed by the Miami Dolphins off the Texans practice squad.