Bears safety Eddie Jackson has battled his share of adversity during his NFL career, but he’s also shown a hunger to be one of the best players at his position.
Jackson’s first couple of years in the league were impressive to say the least. He established himself as an instinctive player with a nose for the football. Jackson totaled eight interceptions, three forced fumbles, and scored five defensive touchdowns from 2017-18.
But after signing a massive contract extension in 2020, his play declined over the next couple of seasons. Then, after an encouraging start to the 2022 season, he suffered a season-ending Lisfranc injury, causing him to miss the final five games.
Now with training camp a week away, a healthy Jackson is ready to get back to his playmaking ways. In fact, Jackson made Bears fans a promise — “mark my words” — “to have one of the best seasons every played by a safety!”
Im going to have one of the best seasons ever played by a safety!
— Eddie Jackson (@BoJack4) July 19, 2023
Mark my words!!!
— Eddie Jackson (@BoJack4) July 19, 2023
Jackson had a bounce back year in 2022, where he looked like the impact player he was in his first couple of seasons. After not notching an interception in the previous two years, Jackson led the Bears with four picks. Jackson added 80 total tackles, including one for a loss, six pass breakups and led the team with two forced fumbles.
It certainly sounds like Jackson has a chip on his shoulder heading into the 2023 season, which should only be good news for the Bears.
