Tyson Jackson

Anthony Tyson Jackson (born June 6, 1986) is an American football defensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs with the third overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at LSU.

Jackson attended West St. John High School in Edgard, Louisiana where he was a member of the Rams 2003 and 2004 2A State Championship teams. He was a two-way lineman who was named Class 2A Defensive Player of the Year after a senior season that totalled 84 tackles, 16 sacks, and 17 pressures, while winning the state championship. He was named All-District and All-Parish on the gridiron and also lettered in basketball. Considered a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, Jackson chose LSU over Oklahoma State and Colorado.

Jackson redshirted in 2004.

As a redshirt freshman in 2005, he earned a spot on the Freshman All-SEC team by the league’s coaches and the Sporting News. He recorded thirteen tackles (8 solos) and two sacks and added five quarterback pressures. As a sophomore, in 2006, Jackson was a Second-team All-SEC selection. He was a starter at left DE and recorded 37 tackles (13 solos). He also had 8.5 sacks, six pressures and 10.5 tackles for a loss. Jackson caused and recovered a fumble, broke up four passes and caught an interception.

As a junior, in 2007, Jackson started thirteen of fourteen games at left defensive end. He totalled 36 tackles (15 solos) with 3.5 sacks, 4.5 stops for losses, and twelve quarterback pressures. Jackson caused a fumble and ranked second in the NCAA among defensive linemen with ten pass break-ups.

In 2008, Jackson earned All-SEC Second-team again. He recorded 36 tackles (17 solos) that included 4.5 sacks, 10.5 stops for losses, and seven quarterback pressures. He recovered a fumble and deflected four passes. In total Jackson started 38 of 53 games at LSU, recording 122 tackles (53 solos) with 18 pass deflections, one interception, two forced fumbles, and a pair of fumble recoveries. He ranks eighth in school history with 18.5 sacks and is eleventh with 27 stops for losses.

2009 NFL Draft

Although having played in a 4-3 alignment at Louisiana State, Jackson was considered an ideal 3-4 defensive end. He drew comparisons to Anthony Weaver. Jackson was chosen by the Kansas City Chiefs with the third pick overall.

Kansas City Chiefs

Jackson (seated, #94) on the sidelines with the Chiefs

Jackson was drafted by the Chiefs, who looked to implement him as DE into their new 3-4 defense. Jackson remained unsigned at the beginning of the Chiefs' training camp session and did not travel with the team to River Falls, Wisconsin (site of the team's practice facilities). The holdout ended on August 7 as he was signed to a five-year contract reportedly worth $57 million with $31 million guaranteed. Tyson played in all 16 games of his rookie season and had 38 tackles (27 solo) with 2 pass deflections. In 2011, Jackson had only one sack though he also had a career record of 55 tackles.

Atlanta Falcons

On March 11, 2014, Jackson signed a 5-year $25 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons.

NFL stats

Jackson is cousins with Dillon Gordon, who is an offensive guard for the Philadelphia Eagles.