One week ago, Justin Jackson met with the media after a Detroit Lions practice. The veteran running back and return man had just re-signed with the team and was seemingly excited about the chance to roll with a second season in Detroit.
That plan abruptly changed. Jackson was placed on the reserve/retired list on Thursday morning, apparently calling it a career at 27 years of age. The Northwestern grad was getting most of the third-team RB reps and was the clubhouse leader to win the kick return competition as late as Wednesday’s joint practice session with the New York Giants.
Jackson hasn’t publicly commented yet on the motivation for his surprising decision. There wasn’t any inkling of dissatisfaction or career alteration with Jackson last week, either on or off the record.
The Lions signed free agent Benny Snell to replace Jackson. Snell comes to Detroit after four seasons in Pittsburgh. His role with the Steelers diminished each season, with Snell gaining just 91 yards on 20 carries in 2022. Snell did return three kickoffs for Pittsburgh last season, and that could very well be his ticket to making an impression on Detroit and taking over Jackson’s old role on special teams.