Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Eagles sign S Jackson


The Eagles have signed safety Marlin Jackson to 2 year deal.

“We are happy to add a talented and versatile defensive back in Marlin Jackson,” said head coach Andy Reid. “He played an important role with the Colts defense over the course of the last five years and we’re looking forward to adding him to our defensive backfield. He has shown an ability to play both the safety and the cornerback position.”

A versatile athlete who has seen action at both cornerback and safety in his five-year career, Jackson (6-0, 196) was originally a first round draft choice (29th overall) of the Indianapolis Colts in 2005. He appeared in the first four games for the Colts in 2009 and notched one interception, but missed the rest of the season with a knee injury.

The 26-year-old Jackson has played in 56 career games (32 starts), posting 306 tackles and four interceptions. His best season came in 2007 when he started at cornerback in all 16 games and was part of the NFL’s 2nd-ranked pass defense that allowed only 172.8 yards per game. That year he set a career high with 112 tackles, which ranked fourth on the team. Jackson has also appeared in six playoff games (two starts) and intercepted Patriots QB Tom Brady with 24 seconds remaining in the 2006 AFC Championship game, sending the Colts to the Super Bowl.

A teammate of WR Jason Avant at the University of Michigan, Jackson was a four-year starter and earned All-America honors as a senior. He finished his college career with 195 tackles, nine interceptions, five forced fumbles, two sacks and two blocked kicks.

The Sharon, PA, native attended Sharon High School, where he earned All-America accolades and was named the Pennsylvania player of the year as a senior. He finished his high school career with 281 tackles and 18 interceptions, including four returned for touchdowns.

The Colts recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award in 2009, Jackson also spends time off the field with his Fight for Life Foundation which he established in 2007 to help inner-city youth make positive life-forming decisions. 



“Marlin has proven himself to be a productive player at both the safety and cornerback positions during his NFL career and we are excited about adding him to our defense," said Eagles GM Howie Roseman. "He is a big, physical defensive back who, I believe, will fit well into our aggressive defensive scheme.”

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