Alonzo Jackson


Alonzo Jackson is an American former professional football player who was a defensive end for the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, and Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League.

Early life

A native of Americus, Georgia, Jackson attended Americus High School, where he was a standout defensive lineman. As a senior, he recorded 116 tackles, 16 sacks, and three blocked kicks, and was a first-team Class 2A all-state selection. Recruiting analyst Tom Lemming rated Jackson as the No. 110 player in the Southeast. He chose Florida State over Georgia and Florida.

College career

In his true freshman season with the Seminoles, Jackson played in all 12 games and was credited with 13 total tackles, three solo tackles, and one pass break-up. In the National Championship game, the Sugar Bowl vs. Virginia Tech, Jackson contributed one solo tackle on special teams. As a sophomore, Jackson played in all 12 games, serving primarily as back-up to senior David Warren at defensive end. He finished with 37 tackles on the season, and ranked fourth on the team with 5.0 quarterback sacks, behind Jamal Reynolds, David Warren, and Darnell Dockett. Jackson's season-best game came against Virginia, when he recorded six tackles, two tackles for loss, and one sack.
After Warren's graduation, Jackson took over the left defensive end spot, starting ten games. He missed the Miami (FL) and Virginia games with a sprained knee. Jackson led the team with five quarterback sacks and ranked second with 16 hurries. He also had eight tackles for loss, which tied Travis Johnson for second on the team, behind Darnell Dockett who posted a school-record 22 TFLs. Jackson finished the season with 33 total tackles and was named honorable mention All-ACC. He had five tackles and two tackles for loss in the Gator Bowl against Virginia Tech.
In his senior year, Jackson started all 14 games of the season, and registered team-highs in tackles for loss, sacks, and quarterback hurries. He also had 42 tackles, and forced four fumbles. Against Iowa State, he caught his only interception of the season, and returned it for 48 yards into the endzone.

Professional career

Pre-draft

Due to disappointing performances of Andre Wadsworth and Jamal Reynolds, the potential of “undersized Seminole ends” like Jackson was met with scepticism.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected him in the second round of the 2003 NFL draft and he made the transition from defensive end to left outside linebacker in the 3–4 defense, projected as a long-term replacement for veteran Jason Gildon. He performed well during the preseason in both of his years with the Steelers, but only saw playing time on special teams. He played in two games in 2003 but recorded no statistics. He appeared in seven games in 2004, totaling five solo tackles and three assisted tackles. He was cut prior to the 2005 season on September 3, 2005.

Philadelphia Eagles

Jackson was signed to the practice squad of the Philadelphia Eagles on September 5, 2005. He was promoted to the active roster on October 8 and played in one game for the Eagles, accumulating two solo tackles. He was waived on October 11 and signed to the practice squad On October 17.

New York Giants

Jackson was signed by the New York Giants off of the Eagles' practice squad on October 26, 2005. He played in eight games, starting one, for the Giants in 2005, recording eight solo tackles and six assisted tackles.

New York Jets

Jackson signed with the New York Jets on June 15, 2006. He was waived on August 28, 2006.

Calgary Stampeders

Jackson was signed by the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League on April 26, 2007. He was released on June 18, 2007.