Tanard Jackson
Tanard Ricardo Jackson is an American former professional football player who was a safety in the National Football League. He played college football for the Syracuse Orange and was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL draft. He was also a member of the Washington Redskins before being suspended indefinitely in July 2014 for being a repeat offender of the NFL's substance abuse policies during his career. Jackson is the only player in NFL history to record an interception against Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady in his career.
Early life
Jackson played high school football at Bullis School in Potomac, Maryland where he played running back and defensive back. During his senior year, he was named the team's MVP after totaling 1,132 rushing yards, 15 touchdowns, four interceptions, 78 tackles, and two sacks. He finished his career with 252 tackles, a school record 19 interceptions, 3,121 rushing yards, and 39 total touchdowns.College career
Jackson played his college football at Syracuse University. During his senior season, he was earned All-Big East Conference second-team honors. He finished his career with 165 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss, and five interceptions.Professional career
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jackson was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL draft with the 106th overall pick. Although he played cornerback while at Syracuse, the Bucs converted him to a free safety. He started all 16 games during his rookie season, recording 56 tackles, and two interceptions.On September 22, 2010, he was suspended indefinitely by the NFL for a violation of their substance abuse policy. Because the suspension was Tanard's second violation, he was declared ineligible for reinstatement until September 22, 2011, ending his season after two games and 13 tackles. He was reinstated on October 11, 2011.
On October 14, he was placed on the Buccaneers active roster. He made his season debut two days later against the New Orleans Saints Jackson got a pick in his first game against the Saints at home during Week 6. A second interception came the following week against the Chicago Bears in London.
Jackson was released by the Buccaneers on April 10, 2012, after he failed to pass a physical.