Donte Darius Jackson Bio
Donte Darius Jackson is an American professional football cornerback currently playing for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Jackson built his reputation as one of the fastest players in college football during his time at Louisiana State University (LSU), where he earned Second-team All-American honors in 2017. The Carolina Panthers selected Jackson in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft with the 55th overall pick, and he has since developed into a reliable NFL cornerback with proven playmaking ability. Over his seven-season NFL career spanning three teams, Jackson has accumulated 23 interceptions, 66 pass deflections, and 365 total tackles while showcasing the elite speed that made him a top draft prospect.
Early Life and Background
Donte Jackson was born on November 8, 1995, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He attended Riverdale High School in Jefferson, Louisiana, where he established himself as a talented multi-sport athlete. His exceptional speed and athletic ability were evident from an early age, setting the foundation for his future football and track careers.
Path to the NFL
After high school, Jackson committed to Louisiana State University (LSU) to play college football for the LSU Tigers. He played under head coaches Les Miles and Ed Orgeron from 2015 to 2017. Beyond football, Jackson was an accomplished sprinter on LSU’s track and field team, demonstrating the elite straight-line speed that would become a hallmark of his football game. He posted personal bests of 6.63 seconds in the 60-meter dash and 10.22 seconds in the 100-meter dash. Jackson was named the fastest player in college football in 2017, a distinction that significantly boosted his NFL draft stock. After his junior season in 2017, during which he recorded 110 tackles, four interceptions, and one sack, he decided to forgo his senior year and enter the 2018 NFL Draft.
Donte Jackson Career
Pre-Draft and Draft Process
On January 9, 2018, Jackson announced his decision to forgo his remaining eligibility and enter the NFL Draft. He attended the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis and performed the majority of drills before developing cramps. Notably, his 40-yard dash time of 4.31 seconds tied for the best among all players at the combine that year. At LSU’s pro day on April 4, 2018, Jackson further impressed scouts with his 40-yard dash (4.31 seconds), 20-yard dash (2.54 seconds), vertical jump (37 inches), and broad jump (10 feet 2 inches). NFL draft experts projected him as a second-round pick, and he was ranked as the sixth-best cornerback prospect by DraftScout.com and NFL analyst Mike Mayock.
Carolina Panthers Era (2018–2023)
The Carolina Panthers selected Jackson in the second round (55th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft. He was the sixth cornerback drafted in 2018. On May 10, 2018, the Panthers signed Jackson to a four-year contract worth $4.81 million, including $2.27 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $1.58 million. Throughout training camp, Jackson competed against veteran Ross Cockrell for the starting cornerback job. He became the likely candidate after Cockrell sustained a season-ending leg injury. Head coach Ron Rivera named Jackson and James Bradberry the starting cornerback duo to begin the regular season.
Jackson started in his professional debut on September 9, 2018, recording five combined tackles in the Panthers’ victory against the Dallas Cowboys. His breakout performance came in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons, where he collected seven solo tackles, deflected a pass, forced a fumble, and made his first career interception off Matt Ryan. In Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals, he recorded a career-high two interceptions. He finished his rookie season starting all 16 games with 74 combined tackles (63 solo), nine pass deflections, a forced fumble, and a team-leading four interceptions, which led all rookies in 2018.
Jackson continued his progression in 2019, recording 40 combined tackles, three interceptions, and two fumble recoveries in 13 games despite missing time with a groin injury. In 2020, he started 13 games and recorded 34 tackles, 11 pass deflections, and three interceptions, including picks against Tom Brady and Justin Herbert. His 2021 season was cut short by a groin injury that landed him on injured reserve in November, but he still finished with 61 tackles and two interceptions in 12 starts. The Panthers rewarded his performance by signing him to a three-year, $35.18 million extension on March 19, 2022, including $16.75 million guaranteed.
In 2022, Jackson recorded two interceptions and returned one 30 yards for his first career touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams. However, his season ended prematurely when he suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Week 10, forcing him to miss the final seven games. He finished with 35 tackles and three pass deflections in nine games. In 2023, Jackson started all 16 games and recorded 59 tackles and five pass deflections as the Panthers struggled through a difficult season.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2024)
On March 13, 2024, the Panthers traded Jackson and a seventh-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for wide receiver Diontae Johnson and a sixth-round pick. Head coach Mike Tomlin had reportedly been interested in drafting Jackson in 2018 and attempted to acquire him when he was a free agent in 2022. The Steelers restructured his contract to a one-year, $6 million deal with a $4.75 million signing bonus. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin selected Jackson as a starting cornerback alongside Joey Porter Jr. He made his Steelers debut in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons, recording two tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception. He appeared in multiple games with the Steelers before being traded again in 2025.
Los Angeles Chargers (2025–Present)
On March 12, 2025, Jackson signed with the Los Angeles Chargers on a two-year, $13 million contract running through 2027. He joined a Chargers defense under new defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero that features a strong secondary unit. Jackson brings veteran experience and proven playmaking ability to the Chargers’ cornerback room as he enters his eighth NFL season.
Driving Style and Strengths
Jackson’s defining characteristic is his exceptional straight-line speed, which allows him to recover from false steps and stay with receivers downfield. His track background translates to the football field as a cornerback who can match stride for stride with fast wide receivers. Jackson demonstrates physicality in run support and is not afraid to come up and make tackles near the line of scrimmage. His ball skills are evident in his career interception totals and pass deflection numbers, showing the ability to track the ball and make plays on throws.
Notable Events and Milestones
Jackson’s most memorable career moment came on October 16, 2022, when he returned an interception by Matthew Stafford 30 yards for his first career defensive touchdown during a game against the Los Angeles Rams. His rookie season produced four interceptions, leading all NFL rookies in 2018 and establishing him as a playmaker from the start of his career. Being selected 55th overall in the 2018 NFL Draft as the sixth cornerback taken represented a significant milestone that validated his collegiate performance at LSU.
Donte Jackson Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Jackson has established himself as a productive starting cornerback with significant contributions in every season. His career statistics reflect consistent playmaking ability and durability, having started the majority of games in which he appeared.
NFL Highlights
Jackson’s rookie season in 2018 produced his highest single-season interception total with four, leading all NFL rookies. His 2022 season included his first career defensive touchdown. He has demonstrated the ability to make game-changing plays throughout his career, with multiple multi-interception games against quality quarterbacks including Matt Ryan, Andy Dalton, Kyler Murray, Tom Brady, and Justin Herbert. His career totals include 23 interceptions and 66 pass deflections, showcasing consistent ball skills.
Career Statistics
Jackson has appeared in 119 career games with 115 starts across seven NFL seasons. His career totals include 365 combined tackles, 23 interceptions, 66 pass deflections, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, one sack, and one defensive touchdown. His best statistical seasons came as a rookie with four interceptions and in 2022 when he recorded his first career touchdown.
Donte Jackson Family
Personal Life
Jackson maintains his athletic roots through his background as a collegiate sprinter, having competed at the highest level of amateur track and field. His exceptional sprint times during his LSU career earned him recognition as the fastest player in college football in 2017. Beyond football, Jackson is known for his work ethic and dedication to maintaining the elite speed that defines his playing style.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season with the Los Angeles Chargers, Jackson joins a defense rebuilding under new coordinator Ejiro Evero. His veteran experience brings stability to the cornerback position as the Chargers look to improve their defensive secondary. The two-year contract extension through 2027 signals the Chargers’ confidence in Jackson’s ability to contribute at a high level. He will look to build chemistry with his new defensive teammates and showcase the playmaking ability that has defined his NFL career. Jackson’s speed and experience make him a valuable asset in coverage against the league’s top receiving threats as the Chargers aim for playoff contention in the AFC.