Deon Jackson (American football)

Deon Jackson (born February 18, 1999) is an American professional football running back for the DC Defenders of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football for the Duke Blue Devils. He also played for the Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants.

Jackson attended Pace Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, where he played football.

Jackson committed to Duke University in 2016. He played for the Blue Devils from 2017–2020, amassing 2,267 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns in his collegiate career.

Jackson signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent on May 6, 2021. He was waived on August 31, 2021, and re-signed to the practice squad the next day. He was promoted to the active roster on November 1. 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. He had 121 scrimmage yards and a rushing touchdown in his first start. 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.

On September 23, 2023, Jackson was released by the Colts.

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

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

On August 7, 2024, Jackson signed with the New York Jets. He was waived on August 27.

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

On August 10, 2025, Jackson signed with the Detroit Lions. He was waived on August 26 as part of final roster cuts.

On January 10, 2026, Jackson was selected by the DC Defenders in the 2026 UFL Draft.

• Duke Blue Devils bio