Former Jaguars DL Malik Jackson Retires

The former impact playmaker of the Jaguars' defensive line is hanging up his cleats.

One of the top players from the Jacksonville Jaguars' 2017 playoff run has retired. 

Former Jaguars defensive tackle Malik Jackson, who also played for the Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles, and Cleveland Browns, announced his retirement on Good Morning Football on NFL Network.

"That was the goal. 10 to 12 years was my goal," Jackson said. "I was able to get to a point where I was doing OK. I was doing pretty well for myself. I did enough. I have a daughter, and I need to go home and be with her and start living life."

Oh…

Congratulations on your retirement, Malik! pic.twitter.com/qI8qXlVxe9

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) July 14, 2023

Jackson was a key piece of the Jaguars' elite defense in 2017 after signing a six-year, $90 million deal with $42 million guaranteed the previous year. During the top-ranked Jaguars' defense run to the AFC Championship game, Jackson recorded eight sacks, 10 tackles for loss and 11 quarterback hits, becoming a critical piece of a fierce pass-rush.

Jackson spent three years in Jacksonville, recording 18 sacks, 105 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 42 quarterback hits, four forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery in 51 games and 45 starts. 

Jackson called the Jaguars making a run in the 2017 season long before there were any other believers. 

“The Panthers did it. If the Panthers can do it after the season they had [in going 7-8-1 in 2014]. . . But we’re going to win the Super Bowl. If they can do it, why can’t we?” Jackson said.

“I’m very confident,” Jackson said. “It truly feels different. . . .I think it’s a lot of guys coming in here and coming to Jacksonville saying, ‘I’m going to change this. I’m going to do this. I’m going to do that,’” Jackson said. 

Jackson ended his 10 year career with 35.5 sacks, 63 tackles for loss, 106 quarterback hits, six forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and 292 tackles in 153 career games, winning a Super Bowl ring with the Denver Broncos in the 2015-16 season.