William Jackson III facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
William Jackson III

Jackson with the Washington Football Team in 2021
No. 22, 23, 3
Position:	Cornerback
Personal information
Born:	(1992-10-27) October 27, 1992 (age 32) Houston, Texas, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:	189 lb (86 kg)
Career information
High school:	Wheatley (Houston)
College:	Trinity Valley CC (2012) Houston (2013–2015)
NFL Draft:	2016 / Round: 1 / Pick: 24
Career history
Cincinnati Bengals (2016) Washington Football Team / Commanders (2021) Pittsburgh Steelers (2022)
Career highlights and awards
2× second-team All-AAC (2014, 2015)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 205 Sacks: 1 Pass deflections: 51 Interceptions: 5 Defensive touchdowns: 1
Player stats at PFR

William Jackson III (born October 27, 1992) is a former professional football player. He played as a cornerback, a defensive position, in the NFL. Jackson played college football for the Houston Cougars. He was chosen by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He also played for the Washington Football Team / Commanders and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

William Jackson III's Early Life and High School Football

William Jackson III was born on October 27, 1992. He grew up in the Fifth Ward area of Houston, Texas, with his brother and three sisters.

He went to Wheatley High School in Houston. There, he played football and was teammates with another future NFL cornerback, Xavien Howard. Experts thought Jackson was a good player, and he earned a scholarship to play college football at the University of Houston.

William Jackson III's College Football Career

Jackson started his college football journey at Trinity Valley Community College for his first year. After that, he moved to the University of Houston for his second year.

In his senior year in 2015, he showed great skill. He broke up 23 passes, meaning he stopped the other team from completing throws. He also made five interceptions, catching the ball when the other team's quarterback threw it.

College Statistics

William Jackson III's Professional Football Journey

Before the 2016 NFL Draft, many experts thought William Jackson III would be picked in the second round. Other cornerbacks like Vernon Hargreaves III and Jalen Ramsey were getting more attention. Jackson went to the NFL Combine, where players show off their skills, but he had to stop early because of cramps.

Playing for the Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals chose William Jackson III in the first round of the 2016 NFL draft. He was the 24th player picked overall. In June 2016, he signed his first professional contract with the Bengals.

During his first training camp, Jackson unfortunately tore a muscle in his chest. This injury meant he had to miss his entire first season in the NFL.

Jackson III playing in 2017

Jackson returned healthy in 2017. He played his first NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens. In Week 3, he made a big play against the Green Bay Packers. He intercepted a pass from star quarterback Aaron Rodgers and ran it back 75 yards for a touchdown! He was only the second player ever to score a touchdown from an interception thrown by Rodgers.

Later in 2017, he got his first start in Week 7. He also recorded his first career sack in Week 10 against the Tennessee Titans. Jackson finished the 2017 season with 27 tackles, 14 pass deflections, one sack, one interception, and one touchdown.

In 2018, Jackson became a starting cornerback for the Bengals. He played alongside Dre Kirkpatrick.

Jackson playing against the Cleveland Browns in 2019.

In 2019, the Bengals decided to keep Jackson for an extra year on his contract. He got his first interception of the season in Week 2 against the San Francisco 49ers. Unfortunately, he was placed on injured reserve in December 2019 because of a shoulder injury. He ended that season with 37 tackles and one interception. In 2020, he had another interception against the Cleveland Browns.

Time with the Washington Football Team / Commanders

On March 19, 2021, Jackson signed a three-year contract with the Washington Football Team. He quickly made an impact, getting his first interception with Washington in the first game of the season. This was against Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.

In Week 10, he had another interception against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jackson missed the last two games of the 2021 season due to a calf injury and then being on the COVID-19 list.

In Week 5 of the 2022 season, Jackson was taken out of the game early. He said it was because of a back injury, but the coach said it was a team decision. Jackson reportedly asked to be traded from the team in October 2022.

Joining the Pittsburgh Steelers

On November 1, 2022, Jackson was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, he was placed on injured reserve soon after and never played a game for the team. The Steelers released him on March 10, 2023.

William Jackson III's NFL Career Statistics