'Tis the season for uncertainty in the football world, as veteran safety Kareem Jackson faces the possibility of being cut on Christmas Day. Talk about a stocking stuffer nobody wants! The Denver Broncos have decided not to activate Jackson for their game against New England, marking his return from his second suspension. With the Broncos' roster exemption expiring on Monday, the team will have to bid farewell to another player or release the 14-year NFL veteran.
Now, before you shed a tear for poor Kareem, remember that this may not be his final chapter in Denver. The Broncos could opt to re-sign him to their practice squad and potentially elevate him for their remaining games, and even any potential playoff appearances. So, while a release would open the door for Jackson to bid adieu to the navy and orange, it doesn't necessarily mean it's the end of his NFL journey altogether.
In Jackson's absence, PJ Locke has stepped up to the plate, and boy, has he swung for the fences! Locke has played exceptionally well, becoming the first safety in franchise history to sack the quarterback in three consecutive games during Jackson's latest suspension. Talk about making a statement!
Jackson, who doesn't play on Denver's special teams, has found himself on the sideline for the majority of the Broncos' recent outings. In fact, he has missed seven of their last eight games. Talk about being in need of a holiday miracle! And in the one game he did play, his very first tackle landed him in hot water with the league due to an illegal high hit on Minnesota's Joshua Dobbs.
With a total of $837,000 in lost paychecks and a whopping $89,670 in fines for unsafe hits this season, Jackson has had quite the roller coaster ride. However, he did manage to escape a $43,709 fine for an unflagged hit on Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco in Week 6. It seems the league had a change of heart on that one.
As a converted cornerback with a relatively smaller frame for an NFL safety, Jackson has always compensated with his hard-hitting style. But in this new era of strict rules surrounding unnecessary roughness, Jackson finds himself struggling to adapt. He even sought an audience with Commissioner Roger Goodell for guidance on avoiding these infractions. Unfortunately for him, that meeting only left him with more questions than answers. Guess it's not easy being a defender trying to navigate these tricky waters!
In the end, it's clear that Jackson's future hangs in the balance. Whether he finds himself saying goodbye to the Broncos or manages to secure a spot on their practice squad, only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: Kareem Jackson's journey in the NFL has been a wild one, filled with hard hits, suspensions, and fines. Let's hope he finds a way to protect his opponents while still making those game-changing plays we've come to love.
Oh, the mysteries of football...
