Alaric Jackson Bio
Alaric Jackson is a Canadian and American professional football offensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). Born on July 14, 1998, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Jackson holds dual citizenship in both Canada and the United States. He emerged as a standout offensive lineman during his college career at the University of Iowa before signing with the Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2021. Jackson has established himself as a key contributor on the Rams offensive line, earning recognition for his performance at both the collegiate and professional levels.
Early Life and Background
Jackson was raised by his father, Al Sr., growing up primarily in Windsor, Ontario. During his formative years, he spent significant time in the Detroit, Michigan area, particularly near West Seven Mile and Schafer. This cross-border connection would later lead his family to relocate permanently to Detroit, Michigan, where Jackson would complete his high school education.
Jackson attended Renaissance High School in Detroit, Michigan. Interestingly, basketball was his first sporting passion, and he did not begin playing organized football until his junior year of high school. Despite the delayed start to football, his athletic abilities quickly became apparent. Jackson garnered attention from several major college football programs and ultimately chose to continue his academic and athletic career at the University of Iowa, selecting the Hawkeyes over scholarship offers from Iowa State, Nebraska, and Michigan State.
Path to Professional Football
Jackson redshirted his true freshman season at Iowa, using that year to develop physically and learn the college football system. He emerged as a dominant force during his redshirt freshman year, starting every regular season game at left tackle for the Hawkeyes. His impressive performance earned him recognition as a Big Ten Conference All-Freshman team selection and Freshman All-American honors from the Football Writers Association of America.
His sophomore season saw a brief setback when he missed the season opener due to a suspension for violating team rules. However, Jackson quickly rebounded, starting the final 12 games of the season at left tackle and earning second-team All-Big Ten honors. During his redshirt junior year, he battled through injuries that caused him to miss three games, yet still managed to earn third-team All-Big Ten recognition at season’s end.
Alaric Jackson Career
Early Career (2021)
Jackson entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, signing with the Los Angeles Rams on May 3, 2021. Despite not being selected in the draft, he impressed coaches during training camp and earned a spot on the Rams 53-man roster. He made his NFL debut on October 31, 2021, playing nine offensive snaps in the fourth quarter of a 38-22 victory over the Houston Texans. Though his first NFL appearances were limited, Jackson demonstrated the skills and versatility that would eventually earn him a larger role.
Rams Breakthrough (2022-Present)
The 2022 season marked Jackson’s transition from reserve to starter. He opened the season as a backup offensive lineman but was promoted to starting right guard in Week 3. After four games at that position, he shifted to left tackle for two games due to injuries along the line. However, his season was cut short when he was diagnosed with blood clots and placed on season-ending injured reserve on November 16, 2022. Despite the health setback, his versatility and performance throughout the season demonstrated his value to the Rams organization.
Jackson continued his professional development in subsequent seasons. In February 2025, he and the Rams agreed on a significant three-year, $57 million contract extension, solidifying his place as a core member of the franchise’s offensive line. As of the 2025 season, Jackson has appeared in 57 NFL games with 51 starts, establishing himself as a reliable presence protecting the quarterback.
Playing Style and Strengths
At 6 feet 7 inches and 338 pounds, Jackson brings imposing size to the offensive tackle position. His length and frame make him particularly effective in pass protection, where he can overwhelm defenders with his wingspan. His experience playing multiple positions along the offensive line, including left tackle, right guard, and various roles due to injuries, demonstrates his positional flexibility and football intelligence. Jackson’s athletic ability, developed partly through his basketball background, contributes to his mobility and ability to handle edge rushers in space.
Notable Events and Milestones
The crowning achievement of Jackson’s professional career came early in his tenure with the Rams. He was part of the team that won Super Bowl LVI, where the Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20. This championship victory marked the pinnacle of his NFL success and provided a memorable start to his professional career. The contract extension in 2025 represents another major milestone, reflecting the Rams’ confidence in his abilities and his progression from an undrafted free agent to a foundational piece of their offensive line.
Alaric Jackson Career Achievements
Jackson has accumulated notable accolades across both his collegiate and professional career, with his greatest achievement being a Super Bowl championship. His college career was distinguished by consistent All-Conference recognition, while his professional career has been marked by steady improvement and increasing responsibility within the Rams offense.
College Highlights
During his five seasons at the University of Iowa from 2016 to 2020, Jackson established himself as one of the premier offensive linemen in the Big Ten Conference. His redshirt senior season in 2020 was particularly impressive, as he earned first-team All-Big Ten honors and was named second-team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) after starting all eight games during Iowa’s COVID-19-shortened season. Earlier in his career, he earned second-team All-Big Ten honors during his sophomore season (2018) and third-team All-Big Ten recognition as a redshirt junior (2019).
Professional Achievements
In the NFL, Jackson’s most significant accomplishment remains his role in the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI championship run. As a member of the team during the 2021 season, he contributed to an offense that culminated in the franchise’s second Super Bowl title. His consistent starting role since 2022, appearing in 57 games with 51 starts through the 2025 season, underscores his reliability and importance to the Rams’ offensive line.
Alaric Jackson Family
Family Background
Jackson was born to Al Sr., who played a significant role in his son’s development and athletic pursuits. The family connection to the Detroit area, combined with Jackson’s upbringing in Windsor and his father’s influence, shaped his journey to professional football. His multicultural background as a Canadian-American has been a consistent aspect of his identity throughout his life and career.
Personal Life
Jackson is married to Elizabeth James. The couple has one child together. Jackson maintains his residence in Detroit, Michigan, which remains connected to his roots despite his professional career in Los Angeles. He is known to have a presence on social media under the handle @bigaj77. Jackson’s personal life has at times drawn public scrutiny, including a civil lawsuit filed in November 2025 that was subsequently dismissed in federal court in April 2026, and a June 2026 arrest on suspicion of felony domestic battery for which he faced related charges.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a significant milestone in Jackson’s career trajectory. Following his strong performances in previous seasons, he entered the year as a established starter on the Rams offensive line. His preparation was particularly noteworthy as he looked to build upon his consistency and remain a reliable anchor for the offensive unit. The season presented opportunities for Jackson to continue developing his chemistry with his fellow linemen and demonstrate his value as a veteran presence.
Off the field, the 2025 season included contract negotiations that resulted in his three-year, $57 million extension with the Rams. This deal represented one of the more significant contract investments the team had made in their offensive line, signaling their commitment to Jackson as a long-term building block. The financial investment reflected both his performance and the team’s confidence in his continued development.
Jackson’s progression from an undrafted free agent in 2021 to a multi-million dollar investment by 2025 illustrates his development into a trusted NFL starter. With 51 starts through the 2025 season, he has demonstrated the durability and performance consistency that teams value in offensive linemen. As he enters the later years of his current contract, Jackson remains focused on maintaining his standard of play and contributing to the Rams’ continued competitiveness in the NFC.