ENGLEWOOD — There are times Jordan Jackson soaks in his surroundings on the Broncos’ practice field and feels overcome with gratitude.

“I’ll just look around like, ‘Dang, I’m still playing football,” said the Air Force graduate who is now entering his fifth year in the NFL. “I’m 28 years old now.
I’m still playing football. I haven’t had to go put on a suit or do a job yet — like a real job. I have been able to play football as a job, and it’s just such a blessing that I can just never take for granted.

“At the academy, I never even knew if I would make it to one year in the league.”

It might seem like Jackson is entering a crossroads in his career. After two seasons on practice squads — first with the New Orleans Saints, then with the Broncos — he seemed to break through in 2024 when he appeared in all 17 games with the Broncos, forced a fumble and made 17 tackles.

Then, last season he played in just five games.

His defensive snap count dropped from 310 in 2024 to 85 in 2025.

Jackson, talking with The Denver Gazette on a sun-drenched early Friday afternoon, gave no indication that trajectory was a major concern.

For a defensive lineman with no stars attached to his recruiting profile and whose best offers as a high school player from Jacksonville, Fla., consisted of the three service academies and a smattering of Sun Belt programs, it’s all about perspective.

“I think there’s definitely room for me to step up, but I think right now it’s just trying to find ways to get better every day until I step into a new role,” Jackson said. “And whenever that comes, just take the time and actually step into that role and do whatever is needed.”

The primary Broncos’ offseason transactions involving the defensive line were losing John Franklin-Myers in free agency to the Tennessee Titans and drafting Tyler Onyedim in the third round out of Texas A&M. The Onyedim selection, No. 66 overall, was the first selection for Denver after dealing their picks from the first and second rounds.

Jackson spent part of his offseason working in Dallas under renowned pass-rush trainer Brandon “BT” Jordan along with Franklin-Myers. Jackson felt he made strides physically. The roster now lists him at 6-foot-4, 294 pounds, 9 pounds heavier than he was during the 2021 season at Air Force. And he focused on film study and searching for mental advantages.

Jackson will also be entering his fourth season in the same system under defensive coordinator Vance Joseph and defensive line coach Jamar Cain.

“It allows you to have a little bit more fun with it, not having to worry about getting into playbook every night as much but really just trying to do more out in the field to grow,” Jackson said. “I can just watch film, be like, ‘OK, I can work on this tomorrow.’ I think it just allows you to play a little bit more fast, have a little more confidence while you’re playing.”

This summer brought some unexpected attention for Jackson. An ESPN reporter was embedded with the Broncos during the playoffs and the resulting story that was posted on July 6 noted that head coach Sean Payton was irate entering the AFC Championship Game because Jackson had not seen the field in the divisional-round victory over the Buffalo Bills.

“Zero snaps,” Payton said, according to the ESPN story. “(Expletive) criminal. This kid sits on the sideline. … Did we stop the run? We didn’t do that. We got our (butt) kicked in the first half.”

Jackson said the story affirmed his belief that his head coach had his back.

“I just know that he believes in me,” Jackson said.

“We came up with the win, so that’s really all I’m happy about.”

Jackson continues to serve in the Air Force ready reserves, communicating monthly with superiors. He’ll occasionally be called in for recruiting efforts within the military branch, sharing his story.

As for his connection with the Air Force team, his former roommate, Lakota Wills, is the Falcons’ recruiting coordinator and the two keep in regular contact. Jackson tries to attend about one Air Force game per season.

He finds the experience as a cadet manifests itself in various ways. He makes his bed every morning, finds he still keeps a regimented schedule and frequently tells his Broncos teammates about the unique experiences like jumping off a 10-meter diving platform and taking boxing class.

Jackson never, at least, realistically, figured those experiences would be part of a journey to the NFL. But here he is, five years later, still wearing a uniform he doesn’t take for granted.

“Never thought it was possible,” he said. “It’s honestly a blessing just to be here again and have another opportunity.”

Air Force graduates in NFL training camps

Jordan Jackson, DL, Denver Broncos — fifth season

Bo Richter, OLB, Minnesota Vikings — third season

Peyton Zdroik, DL, Los Angeles Rams — rookie