Edwin Jackson (American football)

Early life and college

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Jackson emerged as a collegiate football player at Georgia Southern, a program known for producing disciplined defensive players. In college he developed the skills associated with the defensive position—tackling, pursuit and special-teams play—that helped him reach the professional level despite not being selected in the NFL draft.

Professional career

After the 2015 draft, Jackson signed with the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent. He later joined the Indianapolis Colts, where he remained on the roster through parts of the 2015 to 2017 seasons. His role, like many undrafted defensive players, included contributing on special teams and providing depth at linebacker. On September 2, 2017, Jackson was placed on injured reserve, a roster designation used in the NFL when a player sustains an injury that prevents participation for an extended period.

Death and circumstances

On February 4, 2018, Jackson died in a roadside collision in Indianapolis, Indiana. Reports indicate he was a passenger in an Uber and asked the driver to stop because he felt ill; while standing near the interstate, a vehicle struck and killed both Jackson and the rideshare driver. He was 26 years old at the time of his death.

Jackson's death was widely reported and mourned by teammates, coaches and fans. The circumstances drew attention to roadside safety and the risks associated with being outside a vehicle on high-speed roadways.

Summary and notable facts

• Name: Edwin Joseph Jackson; position: linebacker.
• College: Georgia Southern University.
• Entered NFL as undrafted free agent in 2015 with the Arizona Cardinals, later a member of the Indianapolis Colts.
• Placed on injured reserve on September 2, 2017.
• Died February 4, 2018, after being struck near an interstate in Indianapolis, Indiana, while exiting an Uber.

For summaries of his statistical record and team transactions, consult official team or league sources and contemporary news coverage for the most reliable, detailed accounts.