Amidst the whirlwind that is the UFL, the Houston Roughnecks sent OL Samuel Jackson to the NFL. Jackson has signed with the New York Jets, the team announced this morning.
Jackson was an offseason addition by the Roughnecks this year, and immediately made an impact. Samuel Jackson got off to a rough start for Houston. Similar to Atagi, he was acquired in the offseason, and started for the majority of the year. He began the season at tackle, allowing three sacks in the first two games alone.
After that, though, Samuel’s play drastically improved. He gave up just one more sack the entire year, and showcased some versatility as he moved between playing tackle and guard. Injuries required more out of Jackson, and he stepped up as the year went on. He finished the season with a strong 71.9 Pass Blocking Grade, via PFF.
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Now, Jackson lands in New York with the Jets – a team who has looked to UFL O-Linemen in the past. They signed Brahmas OG Kohl Levao a year ago, who has since remained on the team’s practice squad.
Jackson played at UCF throughout his college career, starting in almost every game between 2019-2022. In 2022, he earned First-team All-AAC honors from Pro Football Focus. This led to an UDFA stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023. Most recently, Jackson was with the Ottawa Redblacks in the CFL, but was released in June of 2024.
Jackson is the third Roughnecks player to sign an NFL contract, joining TE Geor’Quarius Spivey and CB Damon Arnette. He’s the second UFL athlete signed by the Jets (K Harrison Mevis was first). You can stay up to date on all UFL to NFL signings with our official tracker.
What are your thoughts on Samuel Jackson signing with the New York Jets? Which Roughnecks player should be next? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
