The Pittsburgh Steelers made a significant move this offseason by trading away their star wide receiver, Diontae Johnson. In return, the Steelers acquired veteran cornerback, Donte Jackson.
Sebastian Foltz / Post-Gazette
Steelers' Donte Jackson working out with the team at Organized Team Activities (OTAs).
Jackson comes to the Steelers after six seasons with the Carolina Panthers. Over his career, he has accumulated 248 solo tackles, one sack, two fumble recoveries, and 14 interceptions. The Steelers had been eyeing Jackson for some time, and given the issues Johnson was causing within the organization, the decision to make the trade was an easy one.
The Steelers are enthusiastic about the impact Jackson will have on their secondary. Reflecting on his career, Jackson recalled a particularly daunting moment that occurred on his 22nd birthday in his rookie year.
On November 8, 2018, as a rookie, he was tasked with covering Antonio Brown during a game against the Steelers. Jackson shared this memory on The Irish Steelers Podcast, describing it as one of the worst moments of his career.
"I know we got smacked. That game was actually on my 22nd birthday. I had to go and guard Antonio Brown all game, so, you know, I didn't get any sleep the night before that game. With Big Ben [Roethlisberger] and AB, they terrorized the league for so long. I'm a rookie and they tell me like, 'You got number 84.' I'm just like, 'Nah, that's Antonio Brown. You're saying 84 like it's just some regular guy!'"
Brown's exit from the Steelers and his NFL career was tumultuous and unfortunate. However, before those events, he was arguably the best player in the league, consistently dismantling opposing defenses.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Former Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger and WR Antonio Brown talk while at the Pro Bowl.
Jackson, a big fan of both Ben Roethlisberger and Brown, experienced their prowess firsthand. Despite his admiration, the Steelers dominated Jackson's Panthers, winning decisively with a score of 52-21.
"I was a huge fan of Big Ben, "Jackson said. "Huge, huge fan of Antonio Brown at the time. It was definitely a bittersweet moment for a young corner to come in there. It wasn't a night to remember, I'll tell you that much."
It was a night Jackson tries to forget, but it also served as a true welcome to the NFL moment for the rookie cornerback. The game was a masterclass by the Steelers and Roethlisberger.
Roethlisberger completed 22 of 25 passes for 328 yards and five touchdowns, while Brown had six catches for 96 yards and a touchdown.
Steelers Are Hopeful For Vast Offensive Improvement In 2024
Steelers fans often have to double-check those stats to believe they are real, as the current offense looks very different. Once one of the most dominant in football, the Steelers' offense has recently been among the worst. However, this is expected to change in the 2024 season under new Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith.
For Jackson, the memory has now become a funny story, but he arrives in Pittsburgh eager to help lift the team back to its former glory. Jackson has expressed his excitement for the upcoming season, stating he has never been this enthusiastic before. He is ready to create new, positive memories for Steelers fans.
Gene J. Puskar / ASSOCIATED PRESS
Cornerback Donte Jackson getting warmed up for the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2024 OTAs.
The Steelers' dominance over the Panthers and the young rookie Jackson adds an interesting twist to his arrival in the Steel City. Steelers fans are eagerly anticipating Jackson's debut in 2024, hoping he will be a key player in the team's resurgence.
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