Shedrick Jackson Bio
Shedrick Jackson (born October 20, 1999) is an American professional football wide receiver for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Auburn Tigers and was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2023. Jackson comes from a distinguished athletic family as the great-nephew of Heisman Trophy winner and two-sport star Bo Jackson.
Early Life and Background
Jackson was born on October 20, 1999, in Hoover, Alabama. He is the great-nephew of Bo Jackson, the former Heisman Trophy winner who excelled in both the National Football League and Major League Baseball. Growing up in Hoover, Jackson developed his football skills in a family with deep athletic traditions.
Jackson attended Hoover High School in his hometown, where he began to establish himself as a talented wide receiver. During his sophomore season in 2015, he caught 20 passes for 406 yards and four touchdowns while helping the team reach the Class 7A state semifinals.
The following year, Jackson improved to 43 receptions for 661 yards and three touchdowns as Hoover won the class championship. His senior year proved to be his best high school season, as he recorded 48 receptions for 979 yards and nine touchdowns while helping the team repeat as class champions. He was also invited to play in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game.
Path to American Football
Prior to his senior year in 2017, Jackson committed to play college football for the Auburn Tigers, the same school his great-uncle Bo Jackson attended. He was ranked as a four-star recruit by On3.com, which listed him as the 343rd-best player nationally, while 247Sports gave him a three-star ranking at 392nd in the nation.
Jackson chose Auburn over several other programs, following in the footsteps of his family member who had achieved football success at the university. His recruitment reflected his status as one of the top prospects from Alabama in his class.
Shedrick Jackson Career
College Career at Auburn (2018–2022)
Jackson began his collegiate career at Auburn in 2018 as a true freshman. He appeared in two games and totaled two receptions for 15 yards during his debut season. In 2019, he played nine games and started five, recording two receptions for 31 yards and scoring a two-point conversion.
The 2020 season saw Jackson play in several games while also being selected to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Academic Honor Roll. He finished that year with six receptions for 84 yards. After catching just 10 passes for 130 yards in his first three seasons combined, Jackson experienced a breakthrough in 2021.
During his breakout 2021 season, Jackson became Auburn’s second-leading receiver with 40 catches for 527 yards and a touchdown. His single touchdown that year proved to be significant, described as arguably the Tigers’ most important score of the season, as it came on a game-winning fourth-and-goal play in the final minute against Georgia State. He returned for a final season in 2022 after receiving an additional year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic, recording 16 receptions for 217 yards. He ended his collegiate career with 66 catches for 874 yards and one touchdown.
Cincinnati Bengals (2023–2024)
After going unselected in the 2023 NFL Draft, Jackson was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent. He was released during final roster cuts on August 29, 2023, but was re-signed to the practice squad the following day.
Jackson was elevated to the active roster for the team’s Week 10 game against the Houston Texans. He made his NFL debut in the 30-27 loss, recording one tackle on special teams. Following the end of the 2023 regular season, the Bengals signed him to a reserve/future contract on January 8, 2024.
Jackson was waived by the Bengals on August 27, 2024, and re-signed to the practice squad. He was released from the practice squad on September 17, ending his tenure with the organization.
Las Vegas Raiders (2024–Present)
Jackson was signed to the Las Vegas Raiders practice squad on December 4, 2024. He subsequently signed a reserve/future contract with Las Vegas on January 6, 2025, securing his spot with the organization for the future.
On August 26, 2025, Jackson was waived by the Raiders as part of final roster cuts before being re-signed to the practice squad the following day. During a Week 14 matchup against the Denver Broncos on December 7, Jackson recorded his first NFL reception and touchdown on the same play, catching a pass from quarterback Kenny Pickett.
Following this memorable performance, Jackson was signed to the Raiders’ active roster on December 24, 2025, rewarding his perseverance and patience within the organization.
Driving Style and Strengths
Jackson brings reliable hands and consistent route-running ability to the wide receiver position. His collegiate career showed progression from a limited role player to a significant contributor in Auburn’s passing attack. His ability to make contested catches and find soft spots in zone coverage developed over his five seasons with the Tigers.
Notable Events and Milestones
Jackson’s first NFL touchdown reception in Week 14 of the 2025 season against the Denver Broncos represented a significant milestone in his professional career. The moment marked the culmination of his journey from undrafted free agent to active roster player. His family connection to Bo Jackson, a legitimate two-sport star and Heisman Trophy winner, adds to his unique legacy in the sport.
Shedrick Jackson Career Statistics
Through his first seasons in the NFL, Jackson has appeared in limited games while working primarily on practice squads before earning his opportunity with the Las Vegas Raiders.
NFL Regular Season Statistics
Jackson’s professional career statistics reflect his role as a depth player who earned his first meaningful NFL action in 2025 with the Las Vegas Raiders.
| Season | Team | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Cincinnati Bengals | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | Cincinnati Bengals | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | Las Vegas Raiders | 4 | 56 | 1 |
Family
Family Background and Athletic Lineage
Shedrick Jackson comes from an exceptionally athletic family. He is the great-nephew of Bo Jackson, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in American sports history. Bo Jackson won the Heisman Trophy at Auburn University in 1985 and became a star in both the NFL and MLB, earning All-Star selections in baseball while also making multiple Pro Bowl appearances in football.
Personal Life
Jackson shares a familial connection to Auburn University through both his own collegiate career and his great-uncle’s legacy. He attended the same high school and college as his famous relative, following a similar path in football before pursuing his professional career in the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a breakthrough year for Jackson with the Las Vegas Raiders. After spending most of the season on the practice squad, he earned promotion to the active roster following his first NFL touchdown reception in Week 14 against the Denver Broncos.
His first NFL reception and touchdown came on the same play, a memorable moment that came via quarterback Kenny Pickett. The score highlighted his ability to contribute when given opportunities at the professional level. His promotion to the active roster on December 24, 2025, reflected the coaching staff’s confidence in his development.
Jackson’s journey from undrafted free agent to active NFL roster player demonstrates persistence and continued development. With the Las Vegas Raiders, he has found an organization willing to invest in his growth as a wide receiver, positioning himself for potentially expanded opportunities in future seasons.