Perhaps no Bears player has helped himself more this season than safety Eddie Jackson, who’s found new life under a new regime with no ties to him. Jackson has cemented himself as a defensive leader and playmaker in the secondary.
Unfortunately, Jackson suffered a non-contact foot injury — the extent of which remains to be seen — in Sunday’s loss to the Jets. Not only is Chicago down arguably their best defensive player, but they’re down yet another leader.
Jackson has emerged as a veteran leader for what’s a pretty young roster. And with the departures of linebacker Roquan Smith and defensive end Robert Quinn, Jackson has taken on an even bigger role, being named captain.
Jackson hasn’t shied away from his leadership role, which included inviting rookie safety Jaquan Brisker to his home to prepare and learn the defense.
Last week, Jackson invited some of his Bears teammates — both offense and defense — who didn’t have family in town to his house for Thanksgiving dinner.
“There were too many teammates there to count,” said rookie cornerback Jaylon Jones, via Brad Biggs. “Not just DBs. Offense and defense. (Darnell) Mooney, Justin (Fields), lots and lots of guys. Eddie is just a good dude. The food was amazing, and since a lot of us, we’re not from Chicago, so if you didn’t have family, ‘Bo’ just invited us over.”
If you ask Jackson’s teammates, it’s nothing new.
“He’s been doing that all year,” said rookie safety Elijah Hicks. “I’ve been over there to his place a couple other times to get haircuts, all kinds of stuff. That’s what he does for us. I was just praying for Eddie because he’s a baller, for sure, and I hope he’s straight.”
