John Jackson

John Jackson is a true veteran of the NFL completing a 14‑year career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, San Diego Chargers, and Cincinnati Bengals.

Despite being a 10th-round pick and considered a long‑shot as a small‑school prospect, Jackson defied expectations with his size, skill, and tenacity. A cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive line from 1988 to 1997, Jackson later extended his career with two seasons apiece in San Diego and Cincinnati. In total, he played in 216 NFL games.

Jackson grew up playing football in Cincinnati, Ohio where he attended Woodward High School. He accepted a scholarship to play at Eastern Kentucky University under future College Football Hall of Fame coach, Roy Kidd. As a three-year starter from 1984 to 1987 and a co-captain his senior year, he helped lead the Colonels to Ohio Valley Conference titles in 1984, 1986, and 1987 and earned back-to-back All‑OVC honors in 1986 and 1987.

A late round pick, Jackson was drafted 252nd overall in the 10th round by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1988, where he quickly made an impact. He played in all 16 games his rookie season and from 1989 onward became a reliable left tackle, starting all but 7 games for the Steelers through 1997.

During his time in Pittsburgh, Jackson provided consistent protection up front and was part of the team that reached Super Bowl XXX and won the AFC Championship in the 1995-1996 season. After a decade with the Steelers, he signed with the San Diego Chargers (1998–1999), starting 31 of 31 games, before finishing his career with the Cincinnati Bengals (2000–2001).

Off the field after his playing career, Jackson remained connected to his alma mater. He was inducted into Eastern Kentucky’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008, and he also established a scholarship foundation for public high school students and supported improvements to EKU’s athletic facilities.

John Jackson is an example of perseverance, work ethic, and leadership in the NFL.

Topps 1991 trading Card. Biography by John T. Broome.