Balancing act for Texans’ Kareem Jackson under NFL rulebook scrutiny: ‘Try to lower my strike zone’

HOUSTON – Kareem Jackson is one of the toughest and most punishing tacklers in the NFL, delivering crushing hits routinely.

Some of those collisions have placed the hard-hitting Texans’ veteran safety, claimed off waivers this week by the Denver Broncos, in the crosshairs of the NFL rulebook. He was suspended for a total of six games this season, losing $928,559 total in lost salary and fines.

Back on the field after serving the latest suspension, Jackson is aware he’s under the scrutiny of the league office that has been critical of his style of play in disciplinary letters.

As far as Jackson, 35, is concerned, he’s a clean, hard-hitting player. The league has viewed his hits as too frequently dangerous, though, which has prompted him to say he’ll adjust his aiming point to avoid fines and suspensions.

Jackson was asked if his actions on the field have been misunderstood

“It’s been a tough year, for sure, having to go through that,” Jackson said. “I don’t know if I’m misunderstood or being singled out or what the case may be, the same style of football is being played all around the league. I’m not the only guy playing a physical style of play.

“Am I the one being crucified for it? Yeah. I don’t know why. But at the end of the day, it is what it is. For me, it’s all about putting that behind me and getting back into ball and the rhythm of things and how I can help this team.”

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Although Jackson has repeatedly been told he needs to change, he acknowledged how difficult a task that can be.

“It’s kind of hard, to be honest,” Jackson said. “I was told it’s my job to protect the offensive guy. It’s a tough situation to be in when you’re trying to make plays and protect yourself. I don’t see how you can do all three. For me, it’s all about flying around and just playing football.

“It’s a physical sport. Stuff is going to happen out there. I can try my best not to hit guys in the head and neck, try to lower my strike zone if I can. It’s all about playing within the rules as much as I can and not getting fined or suspended again.”

A former Texans first-round draft pick from Alabama, Jackson uncoils his body to run through the ball carrier. It’s similar to how he used to run the football in high school growing up in Macon, Ga.

He was suspended four games for his hit on Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave that was reduced to two games on appeal.

He was suspended again for four games, per NFL disciplinary officer Jon Runyan for repeated violations of the league’s playing rules intended to protect players for helmet-to-helmet contact with Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs.

A former teammate of Jackson’s, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said he’s not concerned about his compliance with the rules.

“That doesn’t play a factor,” Ryans said. “I know Kareem has made a lot of plays in this league. As all of us do, you have some things to clean up technique-wise and make better decisions there. But that didn’t slow the decision down from bringing him in.”

During his first stint with the Texans, a nine-year span that ended in 2018 when he signed with the Broncos as a free agent, Jackson recorded 559 tackles, 16 interceptions and six forced fumbles.

“Things are coming full circle,” Jackson said. “Always excited to come home and play for the home team. The way the season’s gone for me, emotionally, kind of all over the place. All players want to be wanted. For the Texans to claim me, it’s a full circle moment.

“I’ve had a chance to watch them quite a bit this year. I just want to add to it. I want to be a piece to the puzzle. However I can help this team win, I’m all for that.”

The Texans picked up Ward as they placed veteran safety and team captain Jimmie Ward on injured reserve with a strained quadriceps.

“Kareem is a really good player, but he’s also a really great teammate,” Ryans said. “I know he cares a lot and he’ll do a great job of helping our young guys and teaching all of our young guys.”

Jackson is closer in age to Ryans than any of his teammates. He’s not volunteering how he used to line up with Ryans, who saw Jackson’s hitting ability up close.

“I’m going to keep that a secret or I’d be telling my age,” Jackson said.

Jackson has seen how Ryans has engineered a turnaround from a 3-13-1 squad last season to being 8-7 and a playoff contender this year under his leadership.

“I kind of expected them to be in this situation because I know who’s leading them,” Jackson said. “I know what type of player he was and he’s the same as a coach, or even more as far as his leadership role. Watched his progress, how he carries himself as a leader in a way the guys here kind of rally behind him.”

Jackson has 51 tackles and two interceptions this season . He has 953 career tackles, three sacks, six forced fumbles and 22 interceptions.

“I want to get the sour taste out of my mouth,” Jackson told KPRC. “The last few weeks have been rough on me. It’s been a rough season for me with everything that’s been going on.

“It’s been a rough season for me mentally. It’s all about getting back to ball and being a piece of the puzzle. I’m excited to be with the Texans. I played with DeMeco for a few seasons, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com.