“I just have to think, ‘Wait your turn.’ From OTAs, them telling me how far I’ve progressed, how good I’m doing, I understand that. But I also understand that I have three really good safeties in front me,” said Jackson, referring to Smith, Bynum and Joshua Metellus. “And I’m not the one to complain. It’s just, ‘When I get the opportunity, make the most of it.’ That’s just the way I was raised.”
Even during his college days at Tennessee, Jackson learned to be ready when his number was called. He maintains that approach at this level.
“I’m not a selfish person,” he said. “Yeah, it’s tough not playing, but if there’s a reason why I’m not playing — if guys in front of me are better, if they fit the scheme better, I just have to focus on playing my role to the best of my ability. And then when I get that call, go out and perform.”
Jackson answered the bell against the Seahawks and helped the Vikings advance to 13-2 and in a position to control their own destiny headed into the final two regular-season games and postseason.
He’s grateful for perspective from Smith, whether in the defensive backs position room or on the sideline in Seattle.
“I watch every rep he plays, because that’s who I have to go in and play like, so to speak,” Jackson said. “It’s constant back-and-forth questions; he’ll ask me things, too, because he’s always willing to learn. I think it’s just constant talking, and I’m picking up nuggets here and there to enhance my play.
“When he couldn’t play, he was telling me what he was seeing on the field,” Jackson added.