Steelers Now
In a recent interview, former PIttsburgh Steelers cornerback and current Los Angeles Charger Donte Jackson revealed why he only stayed one year with the Steelers organization.
“I was able to put together a pretty good year,” Jackson said on the Kickin’ it with Kunkel podcast. “It just sucks that injuries got in the way of a lot of my performance. Dealing with a lot of injuries, dealing with a lot of things. Couldn’t stay upright. Even though I had good stats, couldn’t stay upright, couldn’t stay available. Even when I was available, I still was out there playing hurt. I wish it would’ve ended better. Feel like I shot myself in the foot.”
Jackson had a career-high five interceptions and eight pass deflections, but his play down the stretch was hindered due to a nagging back injury.
“I wish that I was able to give more from a health standpoint,” Jackson said. “I think that’s what ended things with me in Pittsburgh. Wasn’t playing healthy, and that messed up a lot of the things that I would do on the field. I couldn’t do certain things because of my shoulder. Then I had a back injury.”
Jackson signed a two-year deal with the Chargers this offseason that will pay him $13 million. He earned $6 million on a re-worked contract with the Steelers in 2024, after he joined the team last March in a trade for wide receiver Diontae Johnson.
According to Pro Football Focus, Jackson was targeted 10 times over his last three games, allowing 10 receptions for 147 yards and two touchdowns, and he did not have an interception or a pass breakup.
The tough finish to the season was likely a cause of the Steelers deciding not to bring Jackson back. The Steelers replaced him with Philadelphia Eagles veteran cornerback Darius Slay.
The Steelers play the Chargers on Sunday Night Football at SoFi Stadium on Nov. 9.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Former Steelers CB Explains Why He Left Organization
