Matthew Alexander Jackson Bio
Matthew Alexander Jackson is an American professional football safety who currently plays for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL). Born on November 9, 1998, in Chicago, Illinois, Jackson attended Hillsboro High School in Nashville, Tennessee, before playing college football for the Eastern Kentucky Colonels from 2017 to 2022. After going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, he signed with the Tennessee Titans and became one of five undrafted rookies to make the team’s final roster. Jackson has since played for the Jacksonville Jaguars and joined the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2026.
Early Life and Background
Matthew Alexander Jackson was born on November 9, 1998, in Chicago, Illinois. His family relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, where he attended Hillsboro High School. At Hillsboro, Jackson was a two-sport athlete, competing in both football and track and field while establishing himself as a talented defensive player.
During his junior year in 2015, Jackson recorded 39 total stops, one interception, and two defensive touchdowns. As a senior, he served as team captain and led the squad with 64 tackles while adding two interceptions, including one returned for a 100-yard touchdown. His athletic abilities extended beyond football, as he won the city long jump championship and competed at the state tournament in track and field.
Jackson’s strong high school performance attracted attention from several Football Championship Subdivision programs. He ultimately chose to continue his football career at Eastern Kentucky, selecting the Colonels over other FCS offers.
Path to American Football
Jackson redshirted his true freshman season at Eastern Kentucky in 2017, using that year to adapt to college-level competition and develop his skills. He saw limited action over the next two seasons, primarily contributing on special teams while appearing in 11 games in 2018 and 10 games in 2019, recording 11 and 15 tackles respectively.
His breakthrough came in 2020 when Jackson earned a starting role at linebacker. He recorded a team-leading 79 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks in nine games, including three contests against Football Bowl Subdivision opponents. This season marked his transition from special teams contributor to a defensive playmaker.
The 2021 season became Jackson’s most impressive collegiate campaign. He posted 102 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, eight pass breakups, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles in 11 games. His dominant performance earned him all-conference honors, made him a candidate for the Buck Buchanan Award given to the top FCS defensive player, and secured him Phil Steele’s ASUN Conference Defensive Player of the Year Award.
Matthew Alexander Jackson Career
Early Career (2023)
After going unselected in the 2023 NFL Draft, Jackson signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent. His performance during the offseason and training camp impressed coaches enough that he became one of five undrafted rookies to earn a spot on the team’s final 53-man roster for the regular season.
Jackson appeared in games throughout the 2023 season with the Titans, contributing primarily on special teams while continuing to develop as a safety. His ability to make the roster as an undrafted player demonstrated his resilience and football IQ, qualities he developed during his productive college career at Eastern Kentucky.
Jacksonville Jaguars Era (2024)
Jackson was waived by the Titans on November 18, 2023, and re-signed to the practice squad three days later. He was promoted back to the active roster on January 6, 2024, finishing his rookie season with the organization. However, he was waived again on August 27, 2024, during final roster cuts.
The Jacksonville Jaguars signed Jackson to their practice squad on August 29, 2024. This move allowed him to continue his professional development while learning a new defensive system. Jackson’s journey through the NFL demonstrated his persistence and ability to adapt to different team environments.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers Era (2026-Present)
On April 20, 2026, Jackson signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League. He was placed on the reserve/suspended list on May 10, 2026, before being signed to the team’s practice roster on June 18, 2026. This move marked his transition to professional Canadian football as he continues his playing career north of the border.
Playing Style and Strengths
Jackson’s game is built around instincts, tackling ability, and versatility in the secondary. His experience playing multiple positions in college, including linebacker and safety, gives him flexibility in defensive schemes. He demonstrates excellent recognition skills when diagnosing plays, allowing him to flow to the ball effectively. His special teams experience provides additional value, as he contributed immediately in that phase during his rookie season. Jackson’s physicality at the catch point and ability to make open-field tackles distinguish him as a reliable defensive back.
Notable Events and Milestones
Jackson’s career has been defined by his ability to overcome setbacks. Making the Tennessee Titans’ final roster as an undrafted free agent in 2023 stood as his first major professional milestone. His 2021 collegiate season remains his most decorated, when he accumulated 102 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and earned ASUN Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors. The transition to the CFL with Winnipeg in 2026 represents his latest chapter as he adapts to the three-down game.
Matthew Alexander Jackson Career Statistics
Jackson compiled impressive statistics during his five seasons at Eastern Kentucky before beginning his professional career in the NFL and CFL. His collegiate production translated to NFL action where he recorded six total tackles across his time with the Titans and Jaguars.
College Highlights (Eastern Kentucky, 2017-2022)
Jackson finished his Eastern Kentucky career with 268 total tackles, 28.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, four interceptions, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries across 41 games played. His senior season in 2022 saw him lead the team with 87 tackles while adding 7.5 tackles for loss, earning him all-conference recognition and Stats Perform Third-Team All-American honors. His 2021 campaign featured his most prolific statistical output with 102 tackles and eight pass breakups, solidifying his status as one of the top defensive players in the ASUN Conference.
Professional Career NFL Statistics
Across two NFL seasons with the Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars, Jackson recorded six total tackles. His contributions came primarily on special teams as he worked to establish himself at the safety position at the professional level. The move to the CFL in 2026 provides a fresh opportunity to showcase his defensive abilities in a different system.
| Level | Team | Years | Total Tackles |
|---|---|---|---|
| College (NCAA FCS) | Eastern Kentucky Colonels | 2017-2022 | 268 |
| NFL | Tennessee Titans / Jacksonville Jaguars | 2023-2024 | 6 |
Matthew Alexander Jackson Family
Family Background and Athletic Lineage
Specific details about Jackson’s family background are not widely available in public sources. However, his athletic heritage is evident through his own achievements. At Hillsboro High School, Jackson followed a path shared by many professional football players who develop their craft in high school football programs in Tennessee, a state with strong football tradition.
Personal Life
Jackson maintains a public profile on Instagram under the handle @mattajack12. His athletic versatility was demonstrated throughout his high school career, where he excelled not only in football but also in track and field, winning the city long jump championship. This dual-sport background contributed to his explosive athleticism and body control that serve him well as a defensive back. Beyond his athletic pursuits, Jackson has expressed gratitude for the opportunities his football career has provided since beginning his professional journey in 2023.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a transitional year for Matthew Alexander Jackson as he continued his NFL career with the Jacksonville Jaguars organization. After joining the Jaguars’ practice squad in late August 2024, Jackson worked throughout the 2025 offseason and training camp to earn a more prominent role on the defensive roster. His experience from the Titans provided a foundation of professional expectations and game-speed preparation that he applied in Jacksonville’s defensive scheme.
Jackson’s primary value came from his special teams contributions and his depth at the safety position. The Jaguars’ defensive coaching staff appreciated his football intelligence and his ability to quickly absorb playbook concepts. His collegiate background, which included playing multiple defensive positions, remained a valuable asset as he competed for playing time in a competitive NFL secondary.
Looking ahead, Jackson’s trajectory demonstrates the determination required for undrafted players to establish themselves in the NFL. His transition from college star at Eastern Kentucky to professional contributor reflects his work ethic and adaptability. The 2025 season reinforced his status as a player capable of contributing at the professional level, positioning him for continued opportunities in professional football.