Jackson was a four-year starter at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, more commonly referred to as Cal Poly. He finished his college career with 137 solo tackles, 199 total tackles, 8 interceptions for 307 yards and 3 touchdowns, 40 pass deflections, 3 forced fumbles, and a single sack for -6 yards. He played in 43 games, and started in 42 of them.
Professional career
Baltimore Ravens
Jackson was selected in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL Draft with the 169th overall pick. He is probably most known for returning a punt for a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during a preseason NFL game, and then started doing the famous Gangnam Style dance. Although, the play was nullified by a holding penalty. Jackson was placed on injured reserve on December 16, 2014. Jackson was cut by the Baltimore Ravens on September 5, 2015.
Suspension
Jackson was suspended for four games without pay for violating the NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances on December 11, 2012, for using Adderall, a prescription drug, to treat his attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. On August 2, 2013, he again violated the PED policy and was suspended without pay for an additional eight games of the 2013 season. Jackson then completed the required paperwork and to be authorized to take Adderall.
On September 6, 2015, the New York Giants claimed Jackson off Waivers. He was waived just two days after signing with the Giants.
Baltimore Ravens (second stint)
On September 10, 2015, Jackson was signed to the Ravens' practice squad. On October 13, 2015, Jackson was re-signed to the active roster. He was waived/injured on November 17 due to an ankle injury. The next day, he was placed on the team's injured reserve and another day later, on November 19, 2015, he was waived from injured reserve.
Cincinnati Bengals
On November 30, 2015, Jackson was signed to the Bengals' practice squad.
On January 28, 2016, cornerback Asa Jackson signed a futures contract with the Arizona Cardinals. On August 29, 2016, Jackson was waived by the Cardinals.
Baltimore Ravens (third stint)
On October 17, 2016, Jackson was signed to the Ravens' practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on November 15, 2016. He was released by the Ravens on November 26, 2016 and was re-signed to the practice squad.
Detroit Lions
On December 6, 2016, Jackson was signed by the Lions off the Ravens' practice squad. He was placed on injured reserve on January 3, 2017 with an ankle injury.
On August 8, 2017, Jackson was signed by the San Francisco 49ers. He was waived on September 2, 2017 and was signed to the practice squad the next day. He was promoted to the active roster on September 16, 2017. He was placed on injured reserve on October 10, 2017.
