Georgia Bulldogs' Dan Jackson gets his fairytale ending on Day 3 of 2025 NFL Draft
Georgia Bulldogs star safety Dan Jackson is getting his fairytale ending after all. Jackson, who was snubbed from the NFL Combine back in February, ended up going 230th overall to the Detroit Lions in Round 7 of the 2025 NFL Draft. Kirby Smart Calls Dan Jackson's College Football Story 'One of the Greatest' Jackson’s NFL […]
Georgia Bulldogs star safety Dan Jackson is getting his fairytale ending after all.
Jackson, who was snubbed from the NFL Combine back in February, ended up going 230th overall to the Detroit Lions in Round 7 of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Kirby Smart Calls Dan Jackson's College Football Story 'One of the Greatest'
Jackson’s NFL draft journey is one destined for the college football history books.
What sets Jackson apart is that Georgia never recruited the hometown kid back in 2019, and even after earning a full-time starting role, he was never awarded a scholarship.
That’s exactly why Georgia head coach Kirby Smart believes Jackson has what it takes to succeed at the next level.
"This is one of the greatest stories of college football that nobody talks about," Smart said. "I mean, the guy, he didn't walk on until we called him. He got in school here and said, 'Hey, Coach, I would like to play football at Georgia.' Like we didn't recruit him. We recruited Ladd McConkey. We recruited these walk-ons. This guy showed up at our doorstep, and as a starter, as a competitor, and blocking field goals. He didn't have to come back this year. I mean he came back because he loves this place. He loves Georgia. He don't do it for him. He don't do it for money. He's never asked for anything. I mean, he loves the place."
In his final year at Georgia, Jackson logged a career-high 64 tackles, two interceptions, three pass breakups, and one forced fumble.
Because of his relentless work ethic on and off the field, Smart never once questioned Jackson’s NFL future.
"I mean, there's somebody out there, some fan, and they say, 'Well, you know, you can do NIL.' Somebody ought to say, 'Dan Jackson, I will take care of you for the rest of your life,' because I promise you, he'll be the best employee, the best worker. I mean, that's after his football career," Smart said. "Because I really believe the guy got a chance to play in the National Football League because he's fast, he's tough, he's smart."
He now joins a 2025 Super Bowl contender at the next level.
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