Jackson named Bears Defensive Player of the Year

While Jackson’s resurgence as a defensive playmaker was key for a young Bears defense this season, his growth as a leader and mentor was just as critical. In early December, defensive coordinator Alan Williams discussed how Jackson’s influence on the unit didn’t disappear even after he was placed on injured reserve.

“We do know that we’ll miss the leadership,” Williams told reporters Dec. 1. “We do know that we’ll miss the toughness that [Jackson] brings. We do know that we will miss the big-play ability that he brings. But I do think that the mark of a great leader, which I do think Eddie is, is that when that leader leaves, everything doesn’t fall apart. That you’ve instilled enough in other people – how to go about your work, how to go about preparing, all those things – that it doesn’t fall apart. It still keeps doing that.”

Jackson served as a leader off the field as well this season, even inviting the team to his house for Thanksgiving as many players don’t have family in the area to spend holidays with.

While Jackson made it point this season to be there for all of his teammates – defense, offense and special teams – he made the biggest impact on rookie safety Jaquan Brisker, as the two formed a strong connection starting last summer.

During training camp ,Brisker discussed how he spent time over the summer at Jackson’s home going over film while the veteran answered all of his questions about different plays or techniques. When Jackson was placed on IR later in the fall, Brisker described his close relationship with his fellow safety.

“Really just the knowledge that he has given me on and off the field, especially off the field, giving me different directions, just whether that has to come with buying a house or just trying to find the next car,” Brisker said of what’s he learned from Jackson this year. “When it comes to football, reading the quarterback, knowing disguises, what to do in certain disguises and things like that. I’m grateful for him on and off the field.”