Josh Jackson

Joshua Randolph Jackson (born April 3, 1996) is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes, earning unanimous All-American honors. He was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the second round of the 2018 NFL draft.

Early life Jackson attended Lake Dallas High School in Corinth, Texas, where he played high school football as a cornerback and wide receiver. He committed to the University of Iowa to play college football.

College career After redshirting his first year at Iowa in 2014, Jackson played in all 14 games in 2015, recording eight tackles. In 2016, he played in 12 games and made one start and recorded 10 tackles. As a first year starter his junior year in 2017, Jackson was named Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year and a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award. On January 3, 2018, Jackson declared his intentions to enter the 2018 NFL draft.

Professional career

Green Bay Packers The Green Bay Packers selected Jackson in the second round (45th overall) of the 2018 NFL draft. Jackson was the fourth cornerback drafted in 2018 and was the second selected by the Packers after Jaire Alexander (18th overall).

On May 17, 2018, the Packers signed Jackson to a four-year, $6.25 million contract that includes $3.87 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $2.62 million.

Throughout training camp, Jackson competed to be a starting cornerback against Kevin King, Jaire Alexander, Tramon Williams, and Davon House. Head coach Mike McCarthy named Jackson the fifth cornerback on the depth chart to begin the regular season, behind Williams, King, Alexander, and House.

He made his professional regular season debut and first career start in the Packers' season-opener against the Chicago Bears and made three solo tackles during their 24–23 victory. On September 16, 2018, Jackson recorded four solo tackles and scored the first touchdown of his career during a 29–29 tie against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2. Jackson recovered a punt by Matt Wile and caught it in the endzone for a touchdown after it was blocked by Geronimo Allison during the first quarter. On November 25, 2018, Jackson collected a season-high eight combined tackles during a 24–17 loss at the Vikings in Week 12. On December 2, 2018, the Packers fired McCarthy after they fell to a 4–7–1 record. He finished his rookie season in 2018 with 48 combined tackles (39 solo) and ten pass deflections in 16 games and ten starts.

Jackson largely served as a depth role for the Packers, receiving playing time when primary starter Kevin King was injured. He received criticism for his preseason performance ahead of the 2021 season.

New York Giants On August 17, 2021, Jackson was traded to the New York Giants for cornerback Isaac Yiadom. He was waived on October 26, 2021, without having played in a regular season game for the Giants.

Kansas City Chiefs Jackson signed with the practice squad of the Kansas City Chiefs on October 29, 2021. He was released on January 18, 2022.

Arizona Cardinals (first stint) Jackson signed with the Arizona Cardinals on June 16, 2022. He was released on August 29.

Pittsburgh Steelers On September 5, 2022, Jackson was signed to the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad. On October 15, 2022, Jackson was promoted to the active roster. He was released on December 24, 2022.

Arizona Cardinals (second stint) On December 26, 2022, Jackson was claimed off waivers by the Cardinals.

Career statistics

NFL Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles GP GS Comb Total Ast Sck PD Int Yds Avg Lng TDs FF FR 2018 GB 16 10 46 36 10 0.0 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2019 GB 14 0 11 11 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2020 GB 12 5 24 19 5 0.0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Career 42 15 81 66 15 0.0 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 1Source: NFL.com

College Year Team GP Defense Tackles For Loss Passes Def Int Yards TD FF 2015 Iowa 14 8 0.0 2 0 0 0 0 2016 Iowa 12 10 1.0 4 0 0 0 0 2017 Iowa 13 48 0.5 18 8 168 2 1 Totals 39 66 1.5 24 8 168 2 1