Nate Jackson (American football)
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San Jose, California, U.S.
 Jackson in 2020 | |||||||||
| No. 14, 89, 81 | |||||||||
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| Position | Tight end | ||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||
| Born | June 4, 1979 San Jose, California, U.S. | ||||||||
| Listed height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | ||||||||
| Listed weight | 235 lb (107 kg) | ||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||
| High school | Pioneer (San Jose, California) | ||||||||
| College | Menlo | ||||||||
| NFL draft | 2002: undrafted | ||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||
* Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |||||||||
| Awards and highlights | |||||||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||
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Nathan Ross Jackson (born June 4, 1979) is a writer and former American football tight end. Undrafted out of Menlo College in 2002, he spent most of his professional career with the Denver Broncos from 2003 to 2008 before injury problems ended his career in 2009. After retirement, Jackson began writing football-related commentary for the New York Times and various online publications, frequently drawing upon his experiences as a player. His memoir Slow Getting Up: A Story of NFL Survival from the Bottom of the Pile was published in 2013.
A graduate of Pioneer High School in San Jose, California, Jackson played at Menlo College from 1999 to 2001 (when it was a member of NCAA Division III) and was a key factor in helping the school get attention for its athletics programs. During those seasons he set many records as a wide receiver. He was named first-team All-American during every season he was enrolled, and won the NCAA D-III Offensive Player of the Year after his senior year in 2001.[1] Jackson was inducted into the Menlo College Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009.[2]
Professional career
San Francisco 49ers
After going unselected in the 2002 NFL draft, Jackson was signed as an undrafted free agent by the San Francisco 49ers on the recommendation of former 49ers coach Bill Walsh, whose son was the athletic director at Menlo College. After suffering a shoulder injury during training camp he was cut by the 49ers, but was re-signed when the 2002 season ended.[3]
Denver Broncos
Jackson was traded to the Denver Broncos prior to the 2003 NFL season. He spent most of 2003 on the practice squad before appearing in his first NFL game on December 28, 2003.[4]
Jackson was allocated to the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe for the spring of 2004. During Jackson's 2004 season with the Broncos he emerged as an option at receiver, catching 8 passes for 73 yards, and also recorded 7 special teams tackles.[4]
Jackson was converted from wide receiver to tight end prior to the start of the 2005 season.[4]
Jackson made his first career start during the 2007 season but later tore a groin muscle.[5]
Jackson's last season with the Broncos was in 2008, during which he set career highs with 11 receptions for 84 yards, while also scoring a touchdown.[6] He was released by the Broncos in February 2009, following the hiring of new head coach Josh McDaniels one month earlier.[7]
Cleveland Browns
Jackson signed with the Cleveland Browns prior to the 2009 season but was released before the season began.[8]
Las Vegas Locomotives
Jackson signed with the Las Vegas Locomotives of the UFL but never played in any games. His football career came to an end after he suffered a hamstring injury in training camp.[8][9]