He played college football for the LSU Tigers and was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs with the third overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft.

Jackson attended West St. John High School in Edgard, Louisiana where he was a member of the Rams 2003 and 2004 2A State Championship teams.

He was a two-way lineman who was named Class 2A Defensive Player of the Year after a senior season that totalled 84 tackles, 16 sacks, and 17 pressures, while winning the state championship.

Considered a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, Jackson chose LSU over Oklahoma State and Colorado.

Jackson caused a fumble and ranked second in the NCAA among defensive linemen with ten pass break-ups.

[2] Although having played in a 4–3 alignment at Louisiana State, Jackson was considered an ideal 3–4 defensive end.

[15] In the 2016 season, Jackson and the Falcons reached Super Bowl LI, where they faced the New England Patriots on February 5, 2017.