Jordan Jackson Bio
Jordan Jackson is an American professional football defensive end for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). Born on January 30, 1998, in Jacksonville, Florida, he played college football at the United States Air Force Academy before being selected by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Known for his impressive height and physicality, Jackson is making strides in the NFL and aims to establish himself as a key player for the Broncos.
Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing approximately 133 kilograms, Jackson has the frame and build expected of an NFL defensive lineman. He is also a graduate of the Bolles School in Jacksonville. After beginning his professional career in New Orleans, he joined the Broncos organization in 2023 and has since worked to carve out a longer-term role in Denver.
Early Life and Background
Jordan Jackson was born on January 30, 1998, in Jacksonville, Florida. He grew up in the Jacksonville area and attended the Bolles School, a private preparatory school known for its competitive athletic programs. Jacksonville, located in the northeastern corner of Florida, has produced a long list of professional football players, and Jackson grew up surrounded by that football culture.
At Bolles, Jackson developed into a promising defensive lineman, though he was not heavily recruited by major college programs. Recruiting services rated him as a two-star prospect coming out of high school, reflecting his status as a developing player rather than a top national recruit. Despite the modest rating, his size and athleticism caught the attention of several college coaches.
Path to American Football
Coming out of Bolles, Jackson was ranked as a two-star recruit by 247Sports.com. He chose to continue his football career at the United States Air Force Academy, committing to the Air Force Falcons and enrolling before the 2017 season. The decision to attend a service academy added an additional layer of discipline and structure to his development as a player.
At Air Force, Jackson played as a defensive lineman for the Falcons. He appeared in multiple seasons for the program, gradually developing his pass-rushing and run-defense skills. By his senior year, he was recognized as one of the top defensive players in the Mountain West Conference, earning Second-team All-Mountain West honors in 2021.
Jordan Jackson Career
Early Career (2022)
Jackson entered the 2022 NFL Draft after his college career at Air Force and was selected by the New Orleans Saints with the 194th overall pick in the sixth round. The Saints saw him as a developmental defensive lineman with the size and motor to grow into a contributor at the professional level. His draft selection also fulfilled a military-service path associated with his time at the Air Force Academy.
His initial stint in New Orleans was brief. On August 30, 2022, the Saints waived Jackson, and he was signed to the team’s practice squad the following day. He spent the remainder of the 2022 season working to develop his game within the Saints’ system while remaining available to be elevated to the active roster if needed.
Denver Broncos Era (2023–Present)
On January 10, 2023, Jackson signed a futures contract with the Denver Broncos, officially beginning his tenure with the team. He was waived on August 29, 2023, but quickly re-signed to the practice squad. The following offseason, on January 8, 2024, he signed a reserve/future contract, signaling that the Broncos viewed him as part of their long-term plans.
Jackson’s perseverance paid off ahead of the 2024 season when he made the Broncos’ initial 53-man roster. Broncos general manager George Paton noted that he had wanted to draft Jackson back in 2022, underscoring the organization’s belief in the defensive end’s potential. The move validated the years Jackson had spent developing on practice squads and in meeting rooms.
On March 4, 2025, the Broncos assigned Jackson his exclusive-rights free agent tender, keeping him under contract through the 2025 season. The tender ensured the team retained his rights and provided stability as he continued to compete for a larger role in the defensive line rotation. It also marked a clear vote of confidence from the front office.
Driving Style and Strengths
Jackson’s game is built around his size, length, and physicality at the line of scrimmage. At 6 feet 4 inches tall, he presents matchup problems for shorter offensive linemen in both the run and pass game. He has shown steady improvement in hand technique and leverage, areas the Broncos’ coaching staff has continued to refine as he gains experience.
Notable Events and Milestones
A signature moment in Jackson’s professional journey came when he made the Broncos’ 53-man roster in September 2024, a goal that had eluded him in his first two seasons. The milestone was made more meaningful by general manager George Paton’s comments that he had wanted to draft Jackson in 2022, validating the defensive end’s long road back to a top roster spot.
Jordan Jackson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Jordan Jackson’s immediate family is limited. He grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, and attended the Bolles School, but specific details about his parents and siblings are not widely documented in available sources.
Personal Life
Jackson’s personal life, including his marital status and family, is not publicly confirmed in available sources. He is known to be an American national, born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, where he continues to be associated with his football journey from high school through the professional ranks.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, Jordan Jackson is positioned to build on the progress that earned him a spot on the Broncos’ initial 53-man roster in 2024. After years of bouncing between practice squads and the active roster, his exclusive-rights free agent tender ensures that Denver will be his home for at least one more season. The stability gives him a clearer opportunity to compete for an expanded defensive role.
The Broncos’ defensive line is expected to feature a competitive rotation, and Jackson’s combination of size and prior developmental experience positions him as a player to watch. With the organization publicly invested in his development, his 2025 snap count and statistical production will likely determine whether he takes the next step toward becoming a long-term contributor in Denver.
Jackson’s outlook in 2025 also reflects the long road he has traveled since being a two-star recruit out of Bolles. From a sixth-round selection in 2022 to a future contract, practice squad stints, and ultimately a 53-man roster spot, he has steadily proven doubters wrong. The 2025 season represents another opportunity to show that his career trajectory in Denver is still pointing upward.