Former UCF Offensive Lineman Granted Chance To Revive NFL Career
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The New York Jets signed former UCF Knights offensive tackle Samuel Jackson. This is his second chance to making an NFL roster after playing with the Jacksonville Jaguars. It is quite an important time for him to get signed with the first preseason game just around the corner. The Hall of Fame game in Canton is July 31.
News: The New York #Jets have signed @XFLRoughnecks OL Samuel Jackson, per the team.
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) July 23, 2025
Jackson started in nine games for Houston this #UFL season, rotating between tackle and guard - showcasing his versatility. pic.twitter.com/mBDjJex2Ki
Jackson spent six years with the Knights, playing in five seasons and appearing in 62 games for UCF. While he went undrafted in 2023, he was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He later spent time in the Canadian Football League and United Football League, where he played in nine games with the Houston Roughnecks.
It is likely the Jets added him to provide more depth on the line. Jackson played tackle in college and added the ability to play guard since he got into the professional game. While he won’t jump Jets regular starters like Alijah-Vera Tucker and Olu Fashanu or rookie Armand Membou, he could compete for a backup job. As it stands, he is listed as third-string right tackle behind Membou and Chukwuma Okorafor.
This will likely be the best chance for the former UCF Knight to end up on a roster. If he doesn’t, he could end up back in the UFL or CFL once again.
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Austin Walls is a University of Florida Sports Journalism graduate. He has covered motorsport, professional and college football, professional and college basketball, women's basketball and hockey among others. He has spent most of his time focusing on the SEC, but has spent time covering the AAC, MWC and ACC.
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