Last Updated on November 3, 2026 by Valentim Tereshkova
Darrell Jackson Jr. is an American professional football defensive tackle for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). Beyond his football career, Jackson has a strong connection to his family, particularly his parents and younger sister, whose well-being influenced some of the most important decisions of his college career.
Born on April 28, 2003, Jackson grew up in Havana, Florida. His parents are Darrell Jackson and Lisa Jackson, and he has publicly mentioned having a younger sister. He is also the nephew of former NFL safety and Super Bowl MVP Dexter Jackson. Although his family background is relatively well documented, information about his girlfriend, marital status and children remains limited.
Darrell Jackson Jr.’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
As of now, Darrell Jackson Jr. has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend or wife through the reliable interviews, official biographies and sports reports reviewed.
The New York Jets defensive tackle has largely kept his romantic relationships away from public attention. His interviews have primarily focused on his football development, his family’s influence and his journey from college football to the NFL.
There is also no verified public information identifying a current romantic partner or establishing whether Jackson has been in a previous relationship.
Although professional athletes sometimes share details about their personal relationships through social media, no reliable source reviewed provides sufficient evidence to identify Jackson’s girlfriend.
Is Darrell Jackson Jr. Married?
There is no verified public confirmation that Darrell Jackson Jr. is married.
His official New York Jets player profile and Florida State University biography do not identify a spouse or provide details about a wedding.
Therefore, his marital status should be considered publicly unconfirmed rather than assuming he is married or single.
Darrell Jackson Jr.’s Children: Does He Have Kids?
As of now, there is no reliable public confirmation that Darrell Jackson Jr. has children.
The defensive tackle has not publicly identified a son or daughter in the official team interviews and college football profiles reviewed.
His family-related statements have instead focused on his parents, younger sister and extended relatives.
Without verified information, it would be inaccurate to claim that Jackson has children or to provide names, ages or birth dates.
Darrell Jackson Jr.’s Parents: Who Are His Father and Mother?
Darrell Jackson Jr. was born to Darrell Jackson and Lisa Jackson. His parents are from the Florida region surrounding Havana, Quincy and Tallahassee, where he spent his early years.
His official University of Maryland football biography identifies him as the son of Darrell and Lisa.
Jackson’s family became particularly important during his college career when he decided to transfer to Florida State University to remain closer to home while his mother was experiencing health problems.
Darrell Jackson – His Father
Darrell Jackson is the father of NFL defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr.
Although his name is confirmed in the University of Maryland’s official athletics records, detailed information about his profession, personal history and athletic background has not been widely published.
In a 2023 interview following his transfer to Florida State, the younger Jackson explained that returning to the Tallahassee area would allow him to spend more time helping his parents and younger sister.
This statement confirmed that his father remained part of the family responsibilities Jackson considered when making his college football decisions.
However, no reliable public source reviewed establishes whether his father played professional sports or works in a particular profession.
Lisa Jackson – His Mother
Lisa Jackson is Darrell Jackson Jr.’s mother and one of the most influential people in his publicly documented family story.
She attracted national attention in 2023 when her son’s decision to transfer from the University of Miami to Florida State became the subject of an NCAA eligibility dispute.
According to reporting from On3 in December 2022, Lisa lived in Quincy, Florida, near Tallahassee. At the time, she was dealing with a serious medical condition and preparing for major surgery.
Her son wanted to move closer to home so he could spend more time supporting her and helping his family.
Because Jackson had already transferred from Maryland to Miami, his subsequent transfer to Florida State required special NCAA approval for immediate eligibility.
In August 2023, the NCAA denied his hardship waiver, preventing him from participating during the regular season.
Jackson expressed disappointment with that decision, explaining that his primary reason for returning home was to support his mother.
The situation received national attention, including a public appeal from then-U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, who asked the NCAA to reconsider the ruling.
Despite the setback, Jackson remained committed to helping his family while continuing to develop as a football player at Florida State.
Lisa’s medical condition was not publicly specified in the reporting. Consequently, claims about a particular diagnosis or her current health would be unsupported.
Darrell Jackson Jr.’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Darrell Jackson Jr. has publicly confirmed having a younger sister.
During a 2023 interview about his transfer to Florida State, Jackson discussed his happiness at returning to the region where he grew up.
He explained that being closer to home would allow him to help his parents and his little sister whenever they needed assistance.
Darrell Jackson Jr.’s Younger Sister
Jackson’s younger sister is an important member of his family, although her name and age have not been publicly established in reliable sports reporting.
He mentioned her while explaining why he wanted to transfer from Miami to Florida State.
The defensive tackle viewed returning to the Tallahassee area as an opportunity to participate more actively in family life.
While his mother’s health was the main reason for the transfer, he also spoke about being available to help his younger sister.
His comments demonstrate that family responsibilities played a meaningful role in his decisions as a young college athlete.
Does Darrell Jackson Jr. Have Any Brothers?
There is no verified public information identifying a brother of Darrell Jackson Jr.
His official college football biographies and available interviews do not provide a complete list of his siblings.
Therefore, although his younger sister is confirmed, it is not possible to establish whether he has additional brothers or sisters.
Dexter Jackson – Darrell Jackson Jr.’s Famous Uncle
One of the most recognizable members of Darrell Jackson Jr.’s extended family is his uncle, Dexter Jackson, a former NFL safety who won Super Bowl XXXVII with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Dexter Jackson was named the game’s Most Valuable Player after recording two interceptions against the Oakland Raiders during Tampa Bay’s championship victory in January 2003.
He also played college football at Florida State University, establishing a family connection to the Seminoles long before his nephew joined the program.
In May 2026, the New York Jets published a feature discussing the relationship between Darrell and Dexter.
Darrell explained that he admired his uncle’s football career and had wanted to follow in his footsteps by playing for Florida State.
The younger Jackson also revealed that Dexter had provided guidance about preparing for professional football and understanding the expectations of an NFL player.
This relationship has given Darrell access to advice from a family member who experienced both college football success and an accomplished professional career.
Darrell Jackson Jr.’s Family Background and Childhood
Darrell Jackson Jr. grew up in Havana, Florida, a community located near Tallahassee.
He attended Gadsden County High School, where he developed into a promising defensive lineman despite beginning his football career relatively late.
According to the New York Jets, Jackson did not begin playing organized football until his junior year of high school.
His high school coaches recognized his physical potential and encouraged him to pursue opportunities at the college level.
Jackson eventually committed to the University of Maryland and began his college football career with the Terrapins in 2021.
After one season, he transferred to the University of Miami, where he became a regular contributor on the defensive line in 2022.
He subsequently returned to the Tallahassee area to join Florida State, a decision strongly influenced by his mother’s health and his desire to support his family.
How Darrell Jackson Jr.’s Family Influenced His Football Career
Family has influenced Jackson’s decisions both on and off the football field.
His transfer to Florida State demonstrated his willingness to prioritize his mother’s well-being even when doing so created uncertainty about his eligibility to play college football.
Although he missed the 2023 regular season because of NCAA transfer rules, Jackson made his Seminoles debut in the Orange Bowl against Georgia.
He went on to establish himself as a key defensive player for Florida State during the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Jackson received All-Atlantic Coast Conference honorable mention recognition in both years and earned Florida State’s Bobby Bowden Leadership Award.
He also graduated from Florida State with a degree in social science in December 2024.
In April 2026, the New York Jets selected him in the fourth round of the NFL Draft with the 103rd overall pick.
His achievement carried additional family significance because his uncle Dexter had also entered the NFL as a fourth-round draft selection.
Jackson signed his rookie contract with the Jets in June 2026, beginning the professional chapter of a career shaped partly by his family’s support and his determination to succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Darrell Jackson Jr.’s Family
Who is Darrell Jackson Jr.’s girlfriend?
As of now, Darrell Jackson Jr. has not publicly confirmed a girlfriend in the reliable sources reviewed. His current relationship status remains private.
Is Darrell Jackson Jr. married?
There is no verified public confirmation that the New York Jets defensive tackle is married or has a wife.
Does Darrell Jackson Jr. have children?
No reliable public information confirms that Darrell Jackson Jr. has children.
Who are Darrell Jackson Jr.’s parents?
His parents are Darrell Jackson and Lisa Jackson, according to the University of Maryland’s official football biography.
Who is Darrell Jackson Jr.’s mother?
His mother is Lisa Jackson. He transferred to Florida State in 2023 partly to remain closer to her while she was experiencing health problems.
Does Darrell Jackson Jr. have siblings?
Yes. He has publicly mentioned having a younger sister, although her name has not been reliably documented.
Who is Darrell Jackson Jr.’s famous uncle?
His uncle is Dexter Jackson, the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety who was named MVP of Super Bowl XXXVII.
Where is Darrell Jackson Jr. from?
He is from Havana, Florida, and attended Gadsden County High School before beginning his college football career.
Why did Darrell Jackson Jr. transfer to Florida State?
Jackson transferred from Miami to Florida State partly to be closer to his mother, Lisa Jackson, who was experiencing medical difficulties, and to help his family.
Valentim Tereshkova is a sports journalist and NFL analyst specializing in team dynamics, scheme breakdowns, and league-wide trends. Covering everything from offseason roster construction and Draft developments to Sunday game plans and Super Bowl contenders, he delivers clear, sharp commentary on the gridiron. Valentim combines stat-driven analysis with a passion for football storytelling to give readers an expert look into the AFC and NFC.
