Introduction
Darnell Jackson (born July 12, 1990) is an American former professional football player who played as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). After a successful collegiate career at the University of Nebraska, he was selected in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. Jackson played for the Bears and the Detroit Lions before retiring in 2020. Following his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant defensive coordinator for Nebraska and later becoming head coach at Midwestern State University. In addition to his athletic achievements, Jackson is recognized for his community outreach and philanthropic initiatives focused on youth sports and education.
Early life and education
Family background
Darnell Jackson was born in the small city of Hastings, Nebraska. His parents, Michael and Angela Jackson, were both schoolteachers in the local public school system. Growing up in a family that valued education, Darnell attended Hastings High School where he was encouraged to balance academic pursuits with athletic participation. The Jackson household also placed a strong emphasis on community service, a value that would later shape Darnell’s post‑professional endeavors.
High school career
During his tenure at Hastings High School, Jackson distinguished himself on the football field as a defensive leader. He was a four‑time all‑state selection and earned the title of Nebraska Gatorade Player of the Year in his senior year. His high school statistics included 150 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, and five forced fumbles. Off the field, Jackson maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.8 and served as captain of the student council. The combination of athletic excellence and academic commitment attracted interest from several Division I universities.
College career
University of Nebraska
Jackson enrolled at the University of Nebraska in 2008 and joined the Nebraska Cornhuskers football program as a freshman linebacker. Over four seasons, he developed a reputation for disciplined tackling and play‑calling acumen. He graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, while also completing a minor in Kinesiology. His academic performance earned him the Dean’s List distinction in three consecutive semesters.
Statistics and honors
In his senior season, Jackson recorded 105 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles, leading the team in total tackles. He was named to the All‑Big Ten First Team and received the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week award twice during the 2011 season. His performance earned him consideration for the Lott Trophy and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, though he did not ultimately receive these national honors. Nevertheless, his impact on the Cornhuskers' defense was widely acknowledged by coaches and media alike.
Professional career
Chicago Bears (2013–2016)
In the 2013 NFL Draft, Jackson was selected with the 48th overall pick by the Chicago Bears, a franchise that sought to bolster its linebacker corps. He signed a four‑year rookie contract worth $5.2 million. During his rookie season, Jackson appeared in all 16 games, recording 42 tackles and one forced fumble. The following year, he became a starter, playing in 14 games and registering 115 tackles, 2 sacks, and a forced fumble. In 2015, Jackson earned a Pro Bowl selection after posting a career-high 150 tackles, 4 sacks, and two forced fumbles. He sustained an ankle injury in 2016 that limited his play to nine games, but he still contributed 72 tackles and a forced fumble.
Detroit Lions (2017–2019)
Jackson was traded to the Detroit Lions in 2017 in exchange for a third‑round draft pick and a conditional seventh‑round pick. In his first season with the Lions, he started all 16 games and accumulated 128 tackles, 3 sacks, and one forced fumble. The 2018 season saw Jackson record 145 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles, helping the Lions achieve a 12‑4 record and a playoff berth. In 2019, his production dipped due to a hamstring injury, resulting in 55 tackles and no sacks before he was placed on injured reserve in December. He returned for the final game of the season, recording a tackle.
Retirement and transition
After the 2019 season, Jackson announced his retirement from professional football on July 14, 2020. His decision was driven by a desire to focus on coaching and philanthropy. In a public statement, he cited the long-term health risks associated with the sport and expressed enthusiasm for mentoring young athletes. Jackson’s retirement marked the end of a 7‑year NFL career in which he totaled 600 tackles, 12 sacks, and 11 forced fumbles.
Coaching career
Assistant defensive coordinator at Nebraska (2020–2022)
Jackson accepted a coaching position at his alma mater in 2020, serving as the assistant defensive coordinator for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. In this role, he was responsible for recruiting, player development, and defensive strategy implementation. During the 2021 season, the Cornhuskers achieved a top‑ten finish in the Big Ten with a defensive ranking of 5th in total defense. Jackson’s guidance contributed to the development of several defensive backs who earned All‑Big Ten honors. He left Nebraska following the 2022 season after the team's defensive performance dipped, seeking new opportunities.
Head coach at Midwestern State University (2023–present)
In January 2023, Jackson was hired as the head coach of the Midwestern State University Mustangs football program, a Division II team competing in the Lone Star Conference. His first season (2023) resulted in an 8‑3 record, a conference championship, and a berth in the NCAA Division II playoffs. The Mustangs’ defense finished the season ranked 2nd in the conference in points allowed per game. Jackson implemented a hybrid defense featuring both 4‑3 and 3‑4 alignments, emphasizing speed and versatility. He was named Lone Star Conference Coach of the Year for the 2023 season.
Philanthropy and community work
Jackson Foundation
Established in 2015, the Jackson Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting youth sports programs and educational scholarships in Nebraska and the surrounding region. The foundation funds the construction of community athletic facilities, provides equipment grants to under‑resourced high schools, and sponsors annual football camps led by former professional players. The organization also partners with local schools to offer after‑school tutoring and mentorship programs. In 2020, the foundation awarded over 200 scholarships to high school students pursuing higher education.
High school scholarship program
As part of his philanthropic outreach, Jackson initiated the “Future Leaders” scholarship program, targeting academically high‑performing students who also excel in athletics. Each year, the program offers full‑ride scholarships to one or more students at state‑approved institutions. The program has awarded 35 scholarships since its inception, with recipients graduating at a rate exceeding 90%. The initiative has been recognized by state education agencies and local businesses for its impact on community development.
Personal life
Family
Jackson is married to Melissa Thompson, a former track athlete from Omaha, Nebraska. The couple has two children, a son named Michael and a daughter named Aaliyah. The family resides in Omaha and maintains an active presence in local community events. Darnell and Melissa both serve on the boards of several local nonprofits focused on youth development and health education.
Interests
Outside of football, Jackson has a passion for music, particularly jazz and blues. He is an avid guitarist and occasionally participates in local jazz ensembles. He also enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and kayaking. His interest in fitness extends beyond the gridiron; he is an advocate for strength training and nutrition education for youth athletes.
Legacy and impact
Statistical achievements
Jackson’s career statistics place him among the notable linebackers of his era. He ranked in the top 20 of the NFL in total tackles for the 2015 season and was among the top five in forced fumbles during the same year. His consistent performance over seven seasons earned him recognition in various media outlets and a spot on the NFL’s “Top 50 Linebackers” list published by a major sports magazine.
Influence on defensive play
Jackson is credited with pioneering a hybrid defensive approach that blends elements of both 4‑3 and 3‑4 schemes. His versatility as a run‑stopping defender, pass‑rushing threat, and play‑calling leader allowed coaching staffs to adapt to diverse offensive formations. Several former teammates have cited Jackson’s work ethic and leadership as instrumental in shaping their own careers. His coaching tenure at Nebraska and Midwestern State has further disseminated his defensive philosophy to younger generations.
Career statistics
Regular Season
- Games played: 119
- Games started: 98
- Tackles (combined): 600
- Sacks: 12
- Forced fumbles: 11
- Fumble recoveries: 5
- Interceptions: 2
- Pass deflections: 18
Awards and honors
- Pro Bowl selection – 2015
- Lone Star Conference Coach of the Year – 2023
- All‑Big Ten First Team (College) – 2011
- Nebraska Gatorade Player of the Year (High School) – 2007
- Academic All‑Big Ten (College) – 2011
- Top 50 Linebackers (NFL) – 2015 (media list)
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