Grady Jackson

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Jackson's path to the NFL began at Knoxville College after transferring from Hinds Community College. At Hinds, he earned two-time Junior College All-American honors and was named National Junior College Player of the Year following the 1995–1996 seasons. Represented by agent Drew Rosenhaus, Jackson arrived in Atlanta as a free agent in 2006. That season proved historic: he led the entire NFL in tackles for a loss. However, his relationship with the team was short-lived. On October 23, 2007, the Falcons released him. He quickly found a home with the Jacksonville Jaguars, signing a one-year contract on October 30, 2007. Jackson returned to Atlanta less than a year later, re-signed by the Falcons on July 28, 2008. His second stint ended abruptly on December 2, 2008, when the NFL reported he had failed a drug test and announced an investigation into the circumstances before determining any 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

For fans tracking Grady Jackson's career timeline, specific dates mark the transitions between his Atlanta stints. He first joined the Falcons in 2006, where he achieved a unique statistical feat by leading the league in tackles for a loss. His departure came on October 23, 2007. If you are researching his movement across teams, note that the Jacksonville Jaguars signed him to a one-year contract just seven days later on October 30, 2007. His return to Atlanta was finalized on July 28, 2008. However, this second chapter concluded under shadow; on December 2, 2008, reports surfaced that he failed a drug test. The NFL confirmed an investigation would precede any punishment. Prior to his professional career, Jackson built his reputation at Knoxville College and Hinds Community College, where he was a standout player before being drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the sixth round of the 1997 NFL draft.

Did You Know?

• Grady Jackson led the entire NFL in tackles for a loss during his first season with the Atlanta Falcons in 2006.
• He was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the sixth round of the 1997 NFL draft after playing college football at Knoxville College.
• Jackson was re-signed by the Atlanta Falcons on July 28, 2008, less than a year after their initial release of him.
• On December 2, 2008, the NFL reported that Jackson failed a drug test and stated they would investigate before deciding on disciplinary action.
• Before joining Knoxville College, Jackson was named National Junior College Player of the Year following his time at Hinds Community College.