While attending St. Paul's Episcopal School in Mobile, Alabama, Jackson played wide receiver, defensive back, and return specialist. Jackson recorded 40 tackles and seven interceptions on defense in 2003 as a senior, and also caught 31 passes for 660 yards and five touchdowns at receiver. He returned 16 kickoffs for 415 yards and 13 punts for 80 yards as a junior and made 45 catches for 850 yards and nine touchdowns.
College career
Freshman season (2004)
Following high school, Jackson attended Louisiana State University. Jackson played in all 12 games as a true freshman as a defensive back for the Tigers in 2004. He finished the season with five tackles and three pass break-ups in nickel and dime packages. While subbing in for an injured Corey Webster, Jackson recorded two tackles and a pass break-up against Florida.
Sophomore season (2005)
In his sophomore season in 2005, Jackson started at cornerback and ranked in the top ten in the nation in five statistical categories. While starting all 12 games on the season, Jackson recorded 47 tackles, an interception and three pass break-ups. He also tallied 3.5 tackles for a loss, one forced fumble and recovered a fumble. In a victory over Florida, Jackson recorded a career-best seven tackles. He then added 6 tackles, one tackle for a loss, and a forced fumble in the win over Appalachian State.
Junior season (2006)
Jackson, as a junior, started all 13 games of the 2006 season. He finished the season with 46 tackles, two interceptions, and a team-high 14 pass break-ups. Jackson was key on the Tigers' defense that ranked third in the nation in pass efficiency defense. He also returned 15 kicks for a 6.7 yard average. Jackson's pass break-up totals ranked second in the SEC. In the victory over Arkansas, Jackson recorded a career-high seven tackles. Against Florida, Jackson recorded four tackles, an interception and a pass break-up. He then recorded three tackles, broke up three passes, and grabbed an interception in a win over Alabama. In the 2007 Sugar Bowl against Notre Dame, Jackson led the Tigers with six tackles. Jackson finished his junior season ranked eighth on the all-time school list for passes defended with 23.
Senior season (2007)
Jackson opened his senior 2007 season with two tackles and two pass break-ups against Mississippi State. Against Middle Tennessee State, Jackson recorded three tackles. In the 28–16 victory over South Carolina, he recorded four tackles, an interception, and three pass break-ups. In the 34–9 win over Tulane, Jackson tallied three tackles and an interception. In the 28–24 victory over Florida, he recorded four tackles and a pass defensed. In the Tigers' 37–43 loss to Kentucky, Jackson recorded two tackles and an interception. In their 30–24 win over Auburn, Jackson recorded five tackles and three pass break-ups. In their victory over Alabama, Jackson totaled one tackle, one interception, and four pass defenses. Against Mississippi, he recorded four tackles and two pass break-ups. In the 21–14 victory over Tennessee in the SEC Championship, Jackson totaled six tackles and two pass break-ups. In the BCS National Championship victory over Ohio State, Jackson recorded two tackles and grabbed an interception that he returned 34 yards. Jackson finished his senior season with 42 tackles and 5 interceptions. Jackson also earned first-team All-SEC honors at defensive back.
Professional career
Pre-NFL draft
Upon graduating from LSU in 2007, Jackson entered the 2008 NFL Draft. Jackson was then invited to the NFL Combine.
Atlanta Falcons
Jackson was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2008NFL Draft. He returned his first career interception for a 95-yard touchdown on November 9, 2008, in a Week 9 meeting against the division rival New Orleans Saints. His return became the second-longest in Falcons history behind a 101-yard interception return by Tom Pridemore against the San Francisco 49ers on September 20, 1981. Jackson finished the 2008 regular season with 31 tackles and five passes defensed in 16 games played. He recorded his second interception on January 3, 2009 in a playoff game against the Arizona Cardinals. In 2009, Jackson played in 15 games, starting two, and finished with 29 tackles, two passes defensed, and one forced fumble. On September 4, 2010, Jackson was released by the Falcons during their final cuts.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jackson signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 18, 2010. He was waived on November 17, 2010, after playing in two games as a reserve.
