Trishton Jackson

Trishton Jackson Bio

Trishton Jackson is an American professional football wide receiver who currently plays for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Jackson played college football for the Michigan State Spartans and Syracuse Orange before entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2020. His collegiate career at Syracuse saw him develop into a productive pass-catcher, earning second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors in 2019. Jackson has since built his professional career through the Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, and most recently the Arizona Cardinals, where he signed in January 2025.

Early Life and Background

Trishton Jackson was born on March 9, 1998, in Detroit, Michigan. He attended West Bloomfield High School in West Bloomfield, Michigan, where he developed his skills as a wide receiver. His high school career provided the foundation for his pursuit of collegiate football at the Division I level.

After graduating from West Bloomfield, Jackson enrolled at Michigan State University in 2016. He began his collegiate career with the Michigan State Spartans, competing in the Big Ten Conference against some of the top college football programs in the nation.

Path to American Football

Jackson spent his first two collegiate seasons with the Michigan State Spartans. As a true freshman, he caught five passes for 89 yards and one touchdown, showing flashes of his potential as a receiving threat. In his sophomore season, he appeared in 12 games, starting four of them, and finished with 12 receptions for 143 yards.

Following his sophomore season at Michigan State, Jackson made the decision to transfer to Syracuse University. He sat out the 2018 regular season per NCAA transfer rules but was eligible to play in the 2018 Camping World Bowl. In that bowl game against West Virginia, he caught three passes for 24 yards, including a 14-yard touchdown reception, helping the Orange secure a 34-18 victory.

His breakout season came in 2019 as a redshirt junior. Jackson caught 66 passes for 1,023 yards and 11 touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to be a primary receiving target at the Power Five level. His exceptional performance earned him second-team All-ACC recognition. After the season, he declared for the 2020 NFL Draft, forgoing his final year of collegiate eligibility.

Trishton Jackson Career

Los Angeles Rams (2020-2021)

Jackson entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in April 2020. He signed with the Los Angeles Rams on April 25, 2020, joining the organization as an unproven rookie trying to earn a spot on the roster. His tenure with the Rams provided valuable professional experience as he adjusted to the speed and complexity of NFL offenses.

Jackson remained with the Rams through the 2020 season and into the 2021 preseason. On August 31, 2021, the Rams waived Jackson, ending his time with the organization. This roster move came during the final roster cuts as teams reduced their rosters to the regular-season limit.

Minnesota Vikings (2021-2024)

Following his release from the Rams, Jackson joined the Minnesota Vikings organization. On September 2, 2021, he was signed to the Vikings practice squad, beginning a significant chapter in his professional career. His journey with the Vikings was characterized by movement between the practice squad and active roster as he worked to establish himself in the NFL.

On January 10, 2022, Jackson signed a reserve/future contract with the Vikings, signaling the team’s interest in retaining him for the following season. Throughout the 2022 and 2023 seasons, he continued to bounce between the practice squad and active roster as injuries and roster changes created opportunities.

During the 2023 season, Jackson saw his most significant NFL action. On September 23, 2023, the Vikings elevated him to the active roster. He was signed to the active roster on October 11 and continued to work his way onto the field. By the end of the 2023 regular season, Jackson had recorded two receptions for nine yards in NFL competition. Following the 2023 season, he signed another reserve/future contract with Minnesota on January 8, 2024.

Jackson’s time with the Vikings continued into the 2024 season before he was waived on October 19, 2024. He was re-signed to the practice squad following his release, completing his tenure with the organization that had given him his most significant professional opportunities.

Arizona Cardinals (2025-Present)

Jackson began a new chapter in his career when he signed a reserve/future contract with the Arizona Cardinals on January 16, 2025. This move represented an opportunity to compete for a roster spot with a different NFC West franchise. Upon joining the Cardinals, Jackson worked to earn playing time in a new offensive system.

During the 2025 offseason, Jackson was placed on injured reserve on August 12, temporarily halting his progress with the team. He was subsequently released on September 23, creating uncertainty about his immediate future with the organization. His journey with the Cardinals remained in flux as the regular season progressed.

Playing Style and Strengths

Jackson possesses the size and athleticism typical of NFL wide receivers at 6 feet 1 inch and approximately 191 pounds. His collegiate career demonstrated his ability to be a reliable passing target capable of making contested catches and finding soft spots in zone coverage. His 1,000-yard season at Syracuse showcased his ability to be a primary receiving option, displaying route-running precision and hands consistency. His experience moving between practice squads and active rosters reflects his versatility and ability to adapt to different offensive systems.

Trishton Jackson Career Statistics

Across his NFL career with the Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, and Arizona Cardinals, Jackson has contributed primarily on special teams and as a depth receiver. His limited offensive statistics reflect his role as a developing player working to earn consistent playing time at the professional level.

NFL Career Highlights

Jackson’s most notable NFL contribution came during the 2023 season with the Minnesota Vikings, where he appeared in games and recorded his first NFL receptions. He recorded two receptions for nine yards during his NFL career through the 2023 season. His journey from undrafted free agent to active roster contributor demonstrates the perseverance required to maintain an NFL career.

College Career Statistics

At Michigan State, Jackson combined for 17 receptions for 232 yards and one touchdown across his freshman and sophomore seasons. His most productive college season came at Syracuse in 2019, where he caught 66 passes for 1,023 yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging approximately 15.5 yards per reception. His performance that season earned him second-team All-ACC honors, validating his decision to transfer and establishing him as a legitimate NFL prospect.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season has presented challenges for Jackson as he joined the Arizona Cardinals seeking to establish himself as a reliable contributor. His early-season placement on injured reserve in August temporarily removed him from competition, disrupting any momentum he had built during the offseason program and training camp.

Following his return from injured reserve and subsequent release in September, Jackson faced an uncertain path to rejoin the Cardinals or find opportunities elsewhere in the league. The transition to a new team and the injury setback highlighted the precarious nature of NFL roster spots, particularly for players who have not yet established themselves as consistent performers.

As the 2025 season progressed, Jackson remained in the league ecosystem, likely continuing to work toward securing a permanent role with the Cardinals or another organization. His experience across multiple teams and his collegiate production at Syracuse suggest he possesses the talent to contribute at the NFL level, but translating that potential into consistent opportunities requires continued development and favorable circumstances.