The D.C. Defenders released running back Deon Jackson on Sunday as he has signed with the Detroit Lions according to Aaron Wilson.
Deon Jackson is five foot eleven and weighs 218 pounds. The 26-year-old from Atlanta, Georgia, signed with the D.C. Defenders on December 2, 2024. In 2025, Jackson had 83 carries for 417 yards, four touchdowns, seven catches for 54 yards, and three kick returns for 43 yards in 10 games. In the playoffs, Jackson had 32 carries for 156 yards, four touchdowns, and one catch for seven yards helping the Defenders win the UFL Championship over the Michigan Panthers.
The Indianapolis Colts signed Jackson as an undrafted free agent on May 6, 2021. In 2021, Jackson had 19 carries for 110 yards, one touchdown, two catches for 8 yards, and one touchdown in three preseason games to earn a spot on the roster.
Jackson played two and a half seasons in Indianapolis with 94 carries for 281 yards, two touchdowns, 35 catches for 223 yards, one touchdown, and one tackle (1 solo) in 27 games. The Colts released him on September 23, 2023.
Next, Jackson signed with the Cleveland Browns on September 26, 2023. He dressed for one game for the Browns before they released him on October 23, 2023. Then, the New York Giants acquired Jackson off waivers from the Cleveland Browns on October 24, 2024. He played one game with one carry for two yards. The Giants released him on May 21, 2024.
The New York Jets signed Jackson on August 7, 2024. In 2024, Jackson had eight carries for 18 yards and one catch for five yards in three preseason games. The Jets released him on August 27, 2024.
Collegiately, Jackson played four seasons at Duke University (2017-20) with 526 carries for 2,267 yards, 18 touchdowns, 61 catches for 534 yards, four touchdowns, completing 2 of 3 passes (67%) for 41 yards, one touchdown, 28 kick returns for 611 yards, and made three tackles (2 solos, 1 assist) in 24 games for the Blue Devils.
