Grady Jackson

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Jackson played defensive tackle at Knoxville College, after transferring from Hinds Community College. While at Hinds, he was a two-time Junior College All-American and the National Junior College Player of the Year following the 1995–1996 seasons. In 2006, as a member of the Atlanta Falcons, Jackson led the league in tackles for a loss. On October 23, 2007, the Falcons released Jackson. He was re-signed by the Falcons on July 28, 2008. On December 2, 2008, the NFL reported that he had failed a drug test and they would further investigate the circumstances before deciding upon disciplinary action.

In Their Own Story

The defining moment of Jackson's Atlanta career occurred during his first season in 2006. Playing defensive tackle, he recorded more tackles for a loss than any other player in the league, establishing himself as a disruptive force in the front seven. This dominance was fleeting. By October 23, 2007, the Falcons made the decision to release him from the roster. Just one week later, on October 30, 2007, the Jacksonville Jaguars signed him to a one-year deal. The narrative of his career took another sharp turn upon his return to Atlanta in 2008. After re-signing on July 28, Jackson's time in Georgia was cut short by league intervention. On December 2, 2008, the NFL publicly confirmed that he had failed a drug test. The organization stated they would investigate further before deciding on disciplinary measures, leaving his status with the team and the league in limbo.

Reader's Guide

Grady Jackson was a defensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons in two stints: first in 2006 until his release on October 23, 2007, and then again from July 28, 2008, onward. He led the league in tackles for a loss in 2006. He was not a coach and did not win Super Bowl XIX or coach with Dan Reeves.

Did You Know?

• Grady Jackson was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the sixth round of the 1997 NFL draft.
• He was a two-time Junior College All-American and the National Junior College Player of the Year while at Hinds Community College.
• In 2006, as a member of the Atlanta Falcons, Jackson led the league in tackles for a loss.
• The NFL reported on December 2, 2008, that Jackson had failed a drug test and would investigate further before deciding on disciplinary action.