Joe Jackson (defensive end, born 1996)


Joe Jackson is an American football outside linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Miami.

Early years

Jackson attended Gulliver Prep, where he was a two-way starter at defensive end and tight end. As a junior, he totaled 59 tackles and 4 sacks. As a senior, he tallied 46 tackles, 6 sacks and 4 forced fumbles. He was named the 2015 Class 5A-1A Male Athlete of the Year by the Miami Herald.
He finished his high school career with 178 tackles, 19 sacks and 8 forced fumbles. He also practiced basketball and track.

College career

Jackson was a 4-star recruit and accepted a football scholarship from the University of Miami over Clemson, Alabama and Florida State in May 26, 2016. He played in all 13 games as a true freshman, finishing with 32 total tackles, 11.5 for loss, 8.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries, including a touchdown.
As a sophomore, he appeared in 13 games, registering 59 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 2 pass breakups and one forced fumble. He had 8 tackles against the University of North Carolina.
As a junior, he started 12 out of 13 games, posting 47 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, 9 quarterback hurries, 2 pass breakups and one interception returned for a touchdown. He had 4 tackles, 2 sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss against Florida State University.
On January 3, 2019, he announced that he would forgo his final year of eligibility and declare for the 2019 NFL Draft.

College statistics

Professional career

Jackson was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.