When Chicago Bears linebacker D’Marco Jackson learned that he was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week, it was a special moment.
“So (we) broke down practice yesterday, and Coach (Ben) Johnson had just told us the NFC defense player was me, and I was just filled with a bunch of emotions,” Jackson told reporters Wednesday at Halas Hall. “It’s just been a roller coaster with my own journey, starting with high school to college, all my situations that I came through.
“And just to finally hear that it was just something like a deep reflection. Just to let you know, ‘Just keep going, keep going. … don’t look too far ahead. Just keep on track, and it’ll come.’”
During the Bears’ 31-3 win Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, Jackson recorded seven tackles, two passes defensed, a sack and an interception, the only NFC player to produce at least those numbers in a game this season.
Jackson is the fourth Bear this season to be named player of the week, joining quarterback Caleb Williams (298 yards and four touchdowns in a Week 3 win over the Dallas Cowboys), special teamer Josh Blackwell (a game-clinching blocked field goal against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4) and tight end Colston Loveland (58-yard touchdown catch with 17 seconds left to secure a come-from-behind win against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 9).
Jackson also is the first Bears linebacker to be named defensive player of the week since Danny Trevathan in Week 2 of 2018.
“Happy for him,” defensive coordinator Dennis Allen said. “He’s played well for us, whatever it has been, the last three, four weeks. … It’s a credit to him, and it’s a credit to those assistant coaches who have been able to get those guys ready.”
Jackson entered the season as a special teams player, but when the linebackers group was hit hard with injuries to Tremaine Edmunds, T.J. Edwards, Noah Sewell and others, Jackson has risen to the occasion.
He also shined in Week 12 against the Pittsburgh Steelers in his first career start. Despite being new to the role, Jackson called the plays for the defense and led all players with 15 tackles on a season-high 69 snaps. He received a game ball.
The New Orleans Saints drafted Jackson in the fifth round in 2022, when Allen was their coach. Last season, Jackson was plagued by injuries and was limited to 10 games. The Saints waived him Aug. 26.
Bears linebacker D’Marco Jackson (48) sacks Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the first quarter Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, at Soldier Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
“It was unexpected. It put me down,” he said. “But then when Chicago called and said they were claiming me, I just felt like it was a new path and like a new journey for me.”
The Bears claimed him off waivers the next day, after the initial 53-man roster had been set.
Jackson recognized that Allen, whom the Saints fired in early November last year after a 2-7 start, had a hand in the Bears’ decision.
“He’s the guy that drafted me to New Orleans, and for him to come like pick me up and bring me here and just continue to develop me, believing in me to play in his system, it’s a huge blessing,” he said.
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Before the Steelers game, Jackson hadn’t played more than 14 snaps on defense for the Bears, but he has started the last four games. It has been a dream come true, but one that was delayed.
“Just really staying focused and staying consistent to the path,” Jackson said. “Every kid, you want to get out there and just go straight to defense, and you want to be that guy. But honestly, it was just a long special teams road for me, making plays through special teams to keep my career alive.
“And finally came here, special teams was my role, and due to some injuries I finally got that chance to go out there and execute, and I did it. So it just probably took a couple years for me to finally get that chance.”
Special teams coordinator Richard Hightower admires Jackson’s work ethic and preparation.
“I’ve always thought very fondly of D-Jack,” he said of Jackson’s award. “Very proud of him. The room is proud of him. You should have seen the team today when they announced it. Everybody was just so fired up for him because they know the journey.
“It’s just another great example of guys being ready when their time is called upon.”
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/17/chicago-bears-dmarco-jackson-journey/
