Deon Jackson (American football)

For the singer, see Deon Jackson (singer).

Deon Jackson (born February 18, 1999) is an American professional football running back for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Duke. He also played for the Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants.

Deon Jackson

Jackson with the DC Defenders in 2025
No. 36 – Detroit Lions
Position:	Running back
Personal information
Born:	(1999-02-18) February 18, 1999 (age 26) Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:	218 lb (99 kg)
Career information
High school:	Pace Academy (Atlanta, Georgia)
College:	Duke (2017–2020)
NFL draft:	2021: undrafted
Career history
Indianapolis Colts (2021–2023) Cleveland Browns (2023) New York Giants (2023) New York Jets (2024)* DC Defenders (2025) Detroit Lions (2025–present)
* Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Roster status:	Active
Career highlights and awards
UFL champion (2025)
Career NFL statistics as of 2023
Rushing yards: 283 Rushing average: 3.0 Rushing touchdowns: 2 Receptions: 35 Receiving yards: 223 Receiving touchdowns: 1 Stats at Pro Football Reference

Early life

Jackson attended Pace Academy in Atlanta, Georgia where he played football.^[1]

College career

Jackson committed to Duke in 2016.^[2] He played for Duke from 2017–2020, amassing 2,267 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns in his collegiate career.^[3]

Statistics

Duke Blue Devils
Season	Rushing						Receiving
	Games	Att	Yards	Avg	Yds/G	TD	Att	Yards	TD
2017	12	32	97	3.0	8.1	0	4	4	0
2018	13	161	847	5.3	65.2	7	26	253	2
2019	12	172	641	3.7	53.4	6	21	192	2
2020	11	161	682	4.2	62.0	5	10	85	0
Career	48	526	2,267	4.3	47.2	18	61	534	4

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables

Height	Weight	Arm length	Hand span	40-yard dash	10-yard split	20-yard split	20-yard shuttle	Three-cone drill	Vertical jump	Broad jump	Bench press
5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)	218 lb (99 kg)	30+1⁄4 in (0.77 m)	9+1⁄4 in (0.23 m)	4.42 s	1.51 s	2.57 s	4.40 s	7.14 s	36.0 in (0.91 m)	10 ft 3 in (3.12 m)	18 reps
All values from Pro Day[4]

Indianapolis Colts

Jackson signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent on May 6, 2021.^[5] He was waived on August 31, 2021, and re-signed to the practice squad the next day.^[6][7] He was promoted to the active roster on November 1.^[8] In week 6 of the 2022 season, Jackson drew his first career start against the Jacksonville Jaguars after starting running back Jonathan Taylor and backup running back Nyheim Hines were both ruled out because of injuries.^[9] He had 121 scrimmage yards and a rushing touchdown in his first start.^[10] He started in two games and appeared in 16 as a rookie. He finished with 68 carries for 236 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown to go along with 30 receptions for 209 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.^[11]

On September 23, 2023, Jackson was released by the Colts.^[12]

Cleveland Browns

On September 26, 2023, Jackson signed with the practice squad of the Cleveland Browns.^[13] He was promoted to the active roster on October 21.^[14] He was waived on October 23.

New York Giants

On October 24, 2023, the New York Giants claimed Jackson off waivers after he was released by the Browns the previous day.^[15] He was waived on November 20 and re-signed to the practice squad.^[16] Following the end of the 2023 regular season, the Giants signed him to a reserve/future contract on January 8, 2024.^[17] On May 10, 2024, he was waived.^[18]

New York Jets

On August 7, 2024, Jackson signed with the New York Jets.^[19] He was waived on August 27.^[20]

DC Defenders

On December 2, 2024, Jackson signed with the DC Defenders of the United Football League (UFL).^[21] His contract was terminated on August 9, 2025, to sign with an NFL team.^[22]

Detroit Lions

On August 10, 2025, Jackson signed with the Detroit Lions.^[23]