Former Georgia Bulldogs Safety Dan Jackson Placed on Injured Reserve Days After Promising NFL Preseason Debut Due to Leg Injury

Dan Jackson’s NFL dream, one that had only just begun to take visible shape, has suddenly hit an unexpected detour. Just days after stepping onto the field for his first NFL preseason game, the former Georgia Bulldogs safety has been placed on injured reserve with a leg injury—an unfortunate twist for one of college football’s most determined and respected walk-on success stories.

Jackson, who signed with the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent, was hoping to carve out a role in the league the same way he did at Georgia—through relentless effort, sharp instincts, and a heart that always seemed to beat faster and harder than most. But in his very first taste of professional action, Jackson suffered a leg injury that now puts his rookie season in jeopardy before it had a chance to truly begin.

The timing could hardly have been worse. Coming off a strong showing in training camp, Jackson was beginning to make an impression in Arizona. Coaches praised his football IQ, his understanding of defensive schemes, and his ability to communicate effectively in the secondary. His story was becoming one of the feel-good narratives of the Cardinals’ camp. But football is as brutal as it is beautiful, and in one snap, what looked like a path forward has now turned into a waiting game.

The specific details of the injury have not yet been disclosed by the team, but reports suggest it is a significant leg injury that will keep him out for the foreseeable future. With his placement on the injured reserve list, Jackson will miss at least the rest of the preseason, and depending on the severity, potentially the bulk of his rookie year.

For those familiar with Jackson’s journey, though, counting him out would be premature. This is not the first time adversity has knocked on his door—and it’s certainly not the first time he’s answered with grit and grace.

Jackson’s story at Georgia is one that fans of the Bulldogs will not soon forget. A walk-on out of Gainesville, Georgia, he arrived in Athens without a scholarship but full of ambition. His work ethic and determination earned him playing time on special teams early in his career, and eventually, meaningful snaps on one of the most dominant defenses in college football history.

Over his four years at Georgia, Jackson appeared in 44 games and totaled 78 tackles, 2 interceptions, and a blocked punt that sparked one of the most memorable moments of the 2021 national championship season. His hard-nosed style of play endeared him to teammates, coaches, and fans alike. When Georgia was short on depth or leadership in the secondary, it was often Jackson who stepped into the void, leading by example and bringing intensity to every rep.

His contributions helped Georgia win back-to-back national titles in 2021 and 2022, and while he never received the same level of media attention as some of his five-star teammates, inside the program, his importance was never questioned. Kirby Smart often cited Jackson’s preparation and toughness as foundational to the team’s success.

Even as injuries and roster rotations limited his snaps during his final year, Jackson remained one of the team’s most vocal leaders—encouraging younger players, staying engaged in meetings, and refusing to let his role diminish his passion.

That same spirit followed him into the NFL. After going undrafted in April 2025, Jackson signed with Arizona, where many saw him as a long shot to make the roster. But those who had followed his collegiate career knew better. His intelligence, special teams experience, and natural leadership traits made him a strong candidate for a roster or practice squad spot.

He didn’t disappoint. In practices, he quickly became a coach’s favorite—always first in line, always asking the right questions, always the last to leave the field. In team drills, he showed a knack for reading quarterbacks and breaking on the ball with precision. On special teams, he threw his body around with the same abandon that made him a fan favorite at Sanford Stadium.

His preseason debut was modest on the stat sheet but solid in performance. Jackson logged a few defensive snaps and several on special teams, flying down the field in kick coverage and helping secure a tackle in the third quarter. He looked the part—not flashy, but functional. A glue guy. The kind of player every locker room needs.

And then, just like that, the momentum halted.

In the third quarter of a practice earlier this week, Jackson went down during a non-contact drill. Trainers rushed onto the field, and he was carted off shortly after. The team remained cautious in its assessment at first, but the announcement of his placement on injured reserve came soon after—a gut punch to Jackson and a disappointing development for the Cardinals, who had invested valuable reps into his development.

The news rippled through Georgia football circles, with several former teammates and fans expressing support for Jackson across social media. “Tough as they come,” wrote Nolan Smith, a former Bulldogs linebacker now in the NFL. “He’ll be back stronger. That’s Dan.”

And if history is any guide, Smith’s words may prove prophetic. Jackson has never been the biggest, the fastest, or the most heralded. But he has always been one thing above all else—resilient.

The NFL is an unforgiving business. For undrafted rookies, especially safeties and special teamers, opportunities are rare and often fleeting. Many never get a second chance. But Jackson’s character, combined with his college résumé and work ethic, could give him the edge in a future comeback attempt.

Should he recover in time to return this season, the Cardinals will still have his rights and may look to re-integrate him via practice squad or depth rotation roles. If not, Jackson will have an offseason to rehab and return to camp in 2026 with fresh legs and another shot to prove himself.

Until then, his story remains one of perseverance—a reminder of how quickly dreams can be paused, but also of how powerful belief can be when paired with action.

For Dan Jackson, the climb to the top was never going to be linear. It never has been. But he’s always climbed anyway—one snap, one sprint, one rep at a time. And while this injury may temporarily sideline him, it won’t silence the fire that carried him from walk-on to national champion to the doorstep of NFL success.

That story, delayed though it may be, is far from over.