2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Tyler Jackson, LB, Northern Illinois University

• Name: Tyler Jackson
• Position: Linebacker 
• College: Northern Illinois University 
• Height: 6’0
• Weight: 228
• Twitter: @tylerjack7_
• Instagram: @tj.jack7

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2024 NFL Draft? 

I believe that my attitude, my drive, my want to, my adaptation, and my high IQ not only for the position but for the game of football as a whole sets me apart from a lot of others at the Linebacker position and makes me one of the top prospects going into this year draft.

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

Whatever was the first age that you could be able to play flag football with the time that I started to play. But I can say that my true love for the game didn’t come until a little later going right into middle school football.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

I feel like NFL teams and Coaches should know that I am a very passionate player, it doesn’t only show on the field and how I play but how I attack the game off the field with my film studies and preparation.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be? 

I would like to be able to help with scientific research on how to cure Parkinsons disease

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

Some of the best advice that I’ve ever heard, would be “to always be coachable “.

Who was your childhood hero? 

My childhood hero would be my father, as I saw a lot of people in my neighborhood, who did not know or ever hear from their fathers, and I knew from a very young age that my father was very special, he and I have been close for a long time.

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school? 

The most underrated player I played with this last season will be Gavin Williams, a running back transfer from Iowa

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

Biggest pet peeve would be feet

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

Mr. Ean, my art teacher in high school

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome? 

What are the hardest moments I had to overcome, would be losing my mom, and then being able to find the love for football again

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

They allowed me to find out for myself if I could be able to play at a higher division level and prove myself on the biggest stage possible

If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house what would it be?

Whataburger

What is your favorite snack food? 

Smart food popcorn

What is your degree in? 

I have my undergrad degree in industrial engineering/business and I am now pursuing my master’s in sports management

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say? 

I am a hardnose downhill football player, who can run sideline to sideline with a very high IQ at the linebacker position with adaptable abilities to help out defenses in any scheme.

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be? 

Patrick Queen

What is your favorite game to play at the carnival/theme park?

The Basketball hoop

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why? 

1. Elvis, to ask how he made his music
2. Mom, just to talk to her again
3. Kobe, to understand his mindset