“My advice for young football players is to work hard and sacrifice for your dreams,” stated Pro NFL Bowler Malik Jackson.

Malik Jackson, NFL Super Bowl Champion was born in Los Angeles California. He grew up in the local area playing football. He attended Birmingham High School, where he became a star player, named Daily News All-Area Co-Defensive MVP and Prep Star All-West. He began college at the University of Southern California in 2008, but later transferred to the University of Tennessee where he played for the Tennessee Volunteers under the head coach, Derek Dooley. 

“I was drafted [into the NFL] in 2012. I was able to earn 2 trips to the Superbowl, and won one. I earned a trip to the Pro Bowl and I had a 10-year NFL career,” explained Malik Jackson. After being drafted as a late addition, he played for the Denver Broncos (2012–2015) Jacksonville Jaguars (2016–2018) Philadelphia Eagles (2019–2020) and Cleveland Browns (2021). 

Jackson played for the Broncos as their star defensive player. He went to the Super Bowl twice, and won it in 2016, at Super Bowl L. After winning the Super Bowl, he was invited to the Pro Bowl at the peak of his career.

After his successes with the Denver Broncos, he signed an $85 million, six year contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he made 342 tackles, hit the quarterback 96 times, had 2 fumble recoveries, and played 128 games. After the Jaguars, he signed another contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. After playing in 128 games, he retired at 32.

On October 10th, 2024, Jackson was interviewed exclusively by Atlanta Youth Press in Davenport, Iowa, prior to giving his TEDx Talk, “Learning How to Live After the NFL.” 

Jackson continued to give advice to young football players, “Try to deposit for your future by getting education. It's very important. If you are able to make a little money, make sure you save a little money for your future and just really enjoy yourself because once it's over, it's over.”

He went on to say, “I've dedicated my life to providing retired NFL players and eventually all athletes along with their families, the guidance needed for a successful transition from pro to a post-athletic life. Inspired by my experiences, I founded the Care League.”

Jackson began the Care League after his journey playing football. He explained that the game had taught him many lessons. Following suffering what he called a “career-killer injury,” he fought for his recovery and played for two more seasons in the NFL. However, after he retired from the NFL, he realized that it was difficult for former professional athletes to make the transition back to becoming members of the general public, especially when it comes to navigating the American healthcare system. 

Regarding transition to normal, everyday life, Jackson stated, “I knew I wasn't defeated, nowhere close.” Therefore, he started the Care League to give advisories and consultations to retired athletes. 

Jackson described the Care League as, “A concierge medical service whose number one mission is to provide continuous, specialized care that bridges the gap between team managed health care and the overwhelming world of individualized decision making.”

Malik Jackson hopes that this will help retired athletes be able to better settle into a post-athletic life.

In 2016, Jackson also started a foundation called Malik’s Gifts. The organization holds coat drives, pet adoptions, and has taken kids to movies. After his retirement, he has focused on supporting his community, and even donates medical supplies to the University of Southern California.

Malik Jackson concluded the interview by giving young athletes a few words of advice. “I want to let you guys know to really work hard for your dreams, really keep striving for excellence, and really go for that championship trophy because that’ll keep you guys together. Enjoy the time you guys have. The year goes fast in football, as life goes fast, so make sure you guys are enjoying life and having a good time. Enjoy the season, work hard, and sacrifice for your dreams, and enjoy each other, because you guys will become lifelong friends.”