Lucky Jackson Bio
Dontavian “Lucky” Jackson is an American professional football wide receiver born on July 17, 1997, in Lexington, Kentucky. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 183 pounds, Jackson has built a journeyman career across multiple professional football leagues since going undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft. He is best known for his standout tenure with the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and his All-XFL selection in 2023. Jackson has also spent time with the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League and the DC Defenders of the UFL.
Across his career, Jackson has played in the National Football League, the Canadian Football League, the XFL, and The Spring League, demonstrating the kind of resilience that defines modern professional football. He is currently listed as a member of the Minnesota Vikings organization and continues to pursue a long-term role in the NFL.
Early Life and Background
Jackson was born in Lexington, Kentucky, and grew up in the same community. He attended Lafayette High School, where he began developing the receiving skills that would later define his professional career. Coming out of high school, Jackson was rated as a two-star recruit by Rivals.com, a modest ranking that did not predict the productive college career that followed.
Despite the low recruiting profile, Jackson committed to Western Kentucky University to play college football. The Hilltoppers program provided him an opportunity to grow within a Conference USA system that valued his speed and route-running ability. His early years at Western Kentucky allowed him to mature both physically and mentally, preparing him for the rigors of higher-level competition.
Path to American Football
Jackson redshirted his first year at Western Kentucky in 2015, allowing him time to adjust to the college game. By his sophomore season in 2016, he had already become a contributor, recording 26 catches for 395 yards and two touchdowns. That production set the foundation for what would become a record-setting career with the Hilltoppers.
In 2017, Jackson elevated his game with 39 receptions for 600 yards and three touchdowns, including a 93-yard touchdown against Middle Tennessee State that stood as the longest play in Western Kentucky history and one of only a handful of 90-plus-yard pass plays in Football Bowl Subdivision history. As he continued to develop, Jackson became the central target in the Hilltoppers’ passing attack, finishing his college career with 94 receptions for 1,133 yards and four touchdowns in 2019. That final season also earned him First-team All-Conference USA honors and First Responder Bowl MVP recognition after a 17-catch performance against Western Michigan.
Lucky Jackson Career
Early Career (2020-2021)
After his decorated college career, Jackson entered the 2020 NFL Draft but went undrafted. He participated in a professional day that drew attention from scouts, but ultimately had to seek opportunities outside the NFL. In 2021, Jackson joined the Blues of The Spring League, a developmental football competition designed to give players another path into professional rosters.
The Spring League experience allowed Jackson to stay sharp and continue showcasing his skills. His performance there helped open the door to international opportunities and brought him closer to a breakthrough at a higher competitive level.
Edmonton Elks Breakthrough (2022)
On September 13, 2022, Jackson signed with the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League, marking his first opportunity in a major professional league. The Canadian game, known for its wider field and different rules, gave Jackson a new platform to display his receiving ability. He appeared in one game for the Elks during the 2022 season.
Although his time in Edmonton was brief, the experience provided valuable professional game film and exposure. The stint with the Elks helped bridge the gap between The Spring League and his eventual shot at a top-tier American football league.
DC Defenders Era (2023)
Jackson was selected by the DC Defenders in the 11th round of the 2023 XFL Draft, taken 81st overall during the Skill Players round on November 16, 2023. He quickly established himself as a key piece of the Defenders’ offense, playing in all 10 regular-season games. Jackson recorded more than 36 receptions for 573 yards and five touchdowns during the season, finishing as one of the league’s most productive wide receivers.
His strong 2023 campaign earned him a place on the All-XFL Team alongside notable teammates such as Jordan Ta’amu, Abram Smith, and Daniel Whelan. The honor cemented his reputation as a reliable pass-catcher and helped restore his path back to the NFL.
Minnesota Vikings Era (2023-Present)
On May 23, 2023, Jackson signed his first NFL contract with the Minnesota Vikings. He was released on August 29, 2023, but returned to the organization on the practice squad on September 12. His perseverance paid off on January 6, 2024, when he was promoted to the active roster. Jackson went on to make three appearances for the Vikings during the 2024 regular season.
Jackson was waived again on August 27, 2024, and re-signed to the practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with Minnesota on January 16, 2025, signaling the team’s continued interest in his development. On August 26, 2025, he was waived as part of final roster cuts, then signed to the practice squad the following day before being released on September 23, 2025.
Driving Style and Strengths
Jackson is known for his reliable hands, sharp route-running, and ability to stretch the field vertically. His 93-yard touchdown at Western Kentucky showcased the deep-ball tracking that has remained a hallmark of his game. He has consistently produced in varied offensive systems, including the wide-field Canadian game and the pass-heavy XFL scheme used by the DC Defenders.
Notable Events and Milestones
Jackson’s 93-yard touchdown against Middle Tennessee State in 2017 remains one of the longest pass plays in Football Bowl Subdivision history. His 94 receptions in 2019 ranked eighth nationally and second in Western Kentucky’s single-season record book. The First Responder Bowl MVP award and the All-XFL selection in 2023 stand as the defining accolades of his professional journey.
Lucky Jackson Career Wins
Jackson has accumulated notable individual achievements across multiple professional leagues, highlighted by his All-XFL Team selection in 2023, his First-team All-Conference USA honor in 2019, and his First Responder Bowl MVP award. While he has not yet posted a major league championship, his steady production at the wide receiver position has earned him consistent opportunities.
DC Defenders Highlights
During the 2023 XFL season, Jackson led the DC Defenders in receiving with more than 36 catches for 573 yards and five touchdowns. He was a central figure in an offense that included XFL MVP Jordan Ta’amu at quarterback. His selection to the All-XFL Team served as confirmation of his impact across the league.
Other Wins and Performances
Jackson earned Western Kentucky Hilltoppers’ top receiving marks in 2019 and delivered a 17-catch MVP performance in the First Responder Bowl against Western Michigan. His brief appearance with the Edmonton Elks in 2022 and his work in The Spring League in 2021 also helped maintain his professional trajectory.
Lucky Jackson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Jackson was raised in Lexington, Kentucky, and has not publicly discussed an extensive family athletic lineage. His background in central Kentucky provided the foundation for his football development.
Personal Life
Jackson is known publicly by the nickname “Lucky,” which has carried with him from childhood through his professional career. He is active on social media, where he connects with fans under the handle @theyhearmenow.
2025 Season Performance
Jackson signed a reserve/future contract with the Minnesota Vikings on January 16, 2025, securing his place in the organization entering the new league year. His standing with the team was reaffirmed during the offseason, although he was waived as part of final roster cuts on August 26, 2025. He returned to the practice squad the following day, indicating the Vikings’ continued interest in retaining his services.
Jackson was released from the Vikings’ practice squad on September 23, 2025, making him a free agent at that point. His professional resume, including All-XFL honors and NFL active-roster experience, positions him as a candidate for opportunities across the NFL, CFL, or other professional leagues. His ability to contribute on special teams and as a depth receiver has been a recurring theme throughout his time in Minnesota.
Looking ahead, Jackson’s path back to an active roster will depend on his next opportunity, whether in the NFL or an alternate league. His track record of perseverance through multiple practice-squad cycles suggests that he remains determined to establish himself as a long-term professional football player.