Former Broncos DL Malik Jackson Announces Retirement
Former Denver Broncos defensive lineman Malik Jackson — a core member of the legendary 2015 squad who helped capture Super Bowl 50 — has announced his retirement from the NFL following 10 seasons. He broke the news himself during Friday's airing of Good Morning Football.
Though, judging by his remarks on Thursday's episode of the NFL Network flagship, it's unlikely he'll sign an honorary one-day contract with the Broncos, as many notable players do before hanging up their cleats. Too much bad blood, apparently, still exists in that department.
“Denver wanted to give me quite less than Jacksonville," Jackson said, referencing his decision to join the Jaguars in 2016 free agency. "The money was significantly different. It’s ridiculous.”
Originally a fifth-round pick of Denver's, Jackson inked a six-year, $85.5 million contract with the Jags a month after hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. The deal included $31.5 million guaranteed — more than the Broncos were willing to offer nor match.
Jackson would spend three seasons in Jacksonville, earning his lone Pro Bowl selection, before defecting to the Philadelphia Eagles (2019-2020) and Cleveland Browns (2021), for whom he last played.
Altogether, Jackson finishes his professional career with 206 solo tackles, 63 tackles for loss, 106 quarterback hits, 35.5 sacks, 29 pass deflections, and six forced fumbles across 142 games (89 starts).
Despite any lingering resentment on Jackson's part, the Broncos extended their well wishes celebrating his decade-long NFL run.
Follow Zack on Twitter @KelbermanNFL
Follow Mile High Huddle on Twitter and Facebook.
Subscribe to Mile High Huddle on YouTube for daily Broncos live-stream podcasts!
