Austin Jackson Bio
Austin Jackson is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the USC Trojans and was selected by the Dolphins in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft.
Early Life and Background
Austin Jackson was born on August 11, 1999, in Sacramento, California, and grew up in Phoenix, Arizona. He attended North Canyon High School, where he played both defensive and offensive line on the school’s football team. In addition to football, Jackson was active in basketball and track and field during his high school years. Rated as a five-star recruit and the top collegiate prospect in Arizona as a senior, he committed to the University of Southern California (USC) over offers from Washington and Arizona State.
Path to American Football
At USC, Jackson played in all 14 games as a true freshman, contributing as a reserve offensive lineman and on special teams. He earned the starting left tackle position as a sophomore and started all 12 games that season. Despite missing part of summer practice before his junior year due to surgery for donating bone marrow to his sister, Jackson returned to start the season as USC’s left tackle. His performance earned him the Pac-12 Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week in Week 2 of 2019 and first-team All-Pac-12 honors at the end of the year. After completing 39 games with 25 starts in college, he declared for the 2020 NFL draft.
Austin Jackson Career
Early Career (2020–Present)
Selected 18th overall by the Miami Dolphins in the 2020 NFL draft, Jackson made his NFL debut on September 13, 2020, starting at left tackle and playing every offensive snap in the season opener against the New England Patriots. His rookie season was interrupted by a foot injury that placed him on injured reserve in October, but he returned to active play in November. In 2022, Jackson transitioned to starting right tackle but faced an ankle injury that led to multiple stints on injured reserve. He returned to form in 2023, starting every game and protecting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s blindside. That year, he secured a three-year, $36 million contract extension with $20.7 million guaranteed.
Miami Dolphins Era (2020–Present)
Jackson has been a key figure on the Dolphins’ offensive line since his rookie year. Despite injuries in 2024 and 2025, including knee surgery and a toe injury, he has consistently returned to contribute as a starting right tackle. His resilience and performance have solidified his role within the team, and he remains a vital part of the Dolphins’ offensive strategy.
Driving Style and Strengths
Jackson is known for his strong pass protection skills and versatility in playing both left and right tackle positions. His size and technique allow him to effectively shield quarterbacks and open running lanes, making him a valuable asset in both passing and rushing plays.
Notable Events and Milestones
A significant personal milestone includes donating bone marrow to his younger sister, who suffered from a rare form of anemia. Professionally, Jackson’s first-round selection and immediate impact as a starter highlight his rapid ascent in the NFL.
Austin Jackson Career Wins
While offensive linemen like Jackson do not accumulate traditional wins or statistics, his consistent starting role and contract extension reflect his success and value to the Miami Dolphins.
Other Wins & Performances
Jackson’s recognition as first-team All-Pac-12 in 2019 during his college career stands out as a notable achievement.
Austin Jackson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Jackson’s grandfather, Melvin Jackson, also played offensive line at USC and competed in the NFL for the Green Bay Packers, indicating a family legacy in professional football.
Personal Life
Austin Jackson is in a relationship with McKayla Rain, and they have one son born in 2023. He resides in Phoenix, Arizona.
2025 Season Performance
In the 2025 season, Jackson began as the Miami Dolphins’ starting right tackle but suffered a toe injury in the season opener against the Indianapolis Colts. This injury led to his placement on injured reserve in September. He was activated in late November ahead of the Week 13 game against the New Orleans Saints. Despite setbacks, Jackson’s return is expected to bolster the Dolphins’ offensive line as they pursue a competitive season.