Eddie Jackson Bio
Eddie Jackson, born on December 10, 1993, is an American professional football safety competing in the National Football League. He was selected by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft after a standout college career with the Alabama Crimson Tide. Jackson quickly earned a reputation as one of the league’s most dynamic defensive backs, recognized for his ball-hawking instincts and ability to change games with a single play. Over the course of his NFL career, he has been honored with multiple Pro Bowl selections and a first-team All-Pro designation.
Early Life and Background
Eddie Jackson was born and raised in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, where he developed his passion for football at a young age. He attended Boyd H. Anderson High School in his hometown, playing both defensive back and wide receiver for the school’s football team. As a senior, he posted impressive numbers on both sides of the ball, recording 37 receptions for 792 yards on offense while adding 66 tackles and five interceptions on defense. Following his high school career, Jackson committed to the University of Alabama to play under legendary head coach Nick Saban.
Path to American Football
Jackson’s path to the NFL began with his commitment to Alabama, one of the most storied programs in college football. He arrived as a highly regarded defensive back prospect and immediately worked his way into the rotation as a true freshman in 2013, playing in seven games with four starts. His career was briefly interrupted by a torn ACL before his sophomore year in April 2014, but he returned to play in 11 games that season, recording 41 tackles, one sack, and one interception. Prior to his junior year in 2015, Jackson transitioned from cornerback to safety, a move that would define his professional trajectory.
Eddie Jackson Career
Early Career (2013–2016)
During his time at Alabama, Eddie Jackson emerged as one of the top defensive backs in the Southeastern Conference. In 2015, he played in all 15 games, recording 46 tackles and six interceptions, and was named a third-team All-American and first-team All-SEC. His 2015 season culminated in a College Football Playoff National Championship, as Alabama defeated Clemson. The following year, Jackson was named the Defensive MVP of the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship after recording three tackles and an interception in a 45–40 victory. His senior season was cut short by a broken left leg against Texas A&M in the eighth week of 2016, but he still finished with one interception returned for a touchdown and earned second-team All-SEC honors.
Chicago Bears Era (2017–2023)
The Chicago Bears selected Eddie Jackson in the fourth round (112th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft, trading up to secure his acquisition. On May 15, 2017, he signed a four-year, $3.06 million contract that included a signing bonus of $665,797. After competing in training camp, head coach John Fox named Jackson the starting free safety to begin the season. His debut was historic. On October 22, 2017, Jackson recorded four solo tackles, deflected a pass, made his first career interception, recovered a fumble, and scored two touchdowns during a 17–3 victory over the Carolina Panthers. He became the first player in NFL history with multiple 75-plus-yard defensive touchdowns in the same game, earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Jackson’s second season in 2018 elevated him into the elite tier of NFL safeties. He recorded his first career sack against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2 and added multiple interceptions and touchdowns throughout the year. On November 18, 2018, he returned an interception for a 27-yard touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings, and the following week, his pick-six against the Detroit Lions helped seal a comeback victory. Jackson finished 2018 with 51 combined tackles, 15 pass deflections, six interceptions, two forced fumbles, and three touchdowns in 14 games. He was named first-team All-Pro, selected to the 2019 Pro Bowl, and ranked 30th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2019.
In January 2020, the Bears signed Jackson to a four-year, $58.4 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid safety in the NFL at that time. He continued to produce over the following seasons, recording 82 tackles and three forced fumbles in 2020, 76 tackles in 2021, and 80 tackles with four interceptions in 2022. A Lisfranc injury cut his 2022 campaign short, but he was leading all NFC free safeties in Pro Bowl votes at the time. Jackson played 12 games in 2023 before being released by the Bears on February 15, 2024.
Baltimore Ravens Era (2024)
On July 19, 2024, Eddie Jackson signed with the Baltimore Ravens, joining fellow safety Marcus Williams in the defensive backfield. The pairing struggled early, contributing to one of the worst passing defenses in the NFL during the opening weeks of the season. Jackson was eventually benched in favor of Williams after a poor performance against the Cleveland Browns in Week 8. Following continued struggles, he was benched again and ultimately did not travel with the team for their Week 11 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers after expressing dissatisfaction with his reduced role. The Ravens waived him on November 23, 2024.
Los Angeles Chargers Era (2024–Present)
On December 23, 2024, Eddie Jackson was signed by the Los Angeles Chargers to their practice squad, marking his third NFL stop in a single calendar year. He joined the Chargers’ organization as a veteran presence in the secondary, looking to contribute in any capacity available to him. Jackson became a free agent when his contract expired following the conclusion of the 2024 NFL season.
Notable Events and Milestones
Jackson’s most memorable NFL moment came on October 22, 2017, when he became the first player in league history to record multiple 75-plus-yard defensive touchdowns in a single game against the Carolina Panthers. In 2018, he intercepted Aaron Rodgers to snap Rodgers’ record streak of 402 pass attempts without an interception. He was later named to the NFL’s 100 Greatest Bears of All-Time list, cementing his legacy with the franchise that drafted him.
Eddie Jackson Career Wins
While Eddie Jackson is a defensive player whose impact is measured more in turnovers and big plays than wins, his career is highlighted by signature performances and team successes. His most celebrated individual achievement came in 2017, when his two-touchdown performance against Carolina set an NFL record. Jackson also contributed to a College Football Playoff National Championship at Alabama in 2015 and earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2018.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his NFL record-setting game in 2017, Jackson earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors twice and was named NFC Defensive Player of the Month in 2018. He was also a key contributor to Alabama’s 2015 national title and was later recognized among the 100 Greatest Bears of All-Time.
Eddie Jackson Family
Personal Life
Eddie Jackson was born and raised in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, where he attended Boyd H. Anderson High School before moving on to the University of Alabama. He maintains an active presence on social media, connecting with fans through his public accounts.
2025 Season Performance
As of the 2025 NFL offseason, Eddie Jackson remains a free agent following the expiration of his contract with the Los Angeles Chargers. After a turbulent 2024 campaign that included stints with three different organizations, Jackson is looking to secure a roster spot and revive his career as a playmaking safety. His track record of forcing turnovers and producing in big moments could make him an attractive depth option for teams seeking veteran experience in the secondary. With training camps approaching, Jackson’s next opportunity will be critical in determining whether he can extend his NFL career into a ninth season.