Grady Jackson

National Football League defensive tackle Grady Jackson plays for the Detroit Lions. He previously played for the Atlanta Falcons and became a free agent on February 27, 2009.

Jackson visited the Lions on March 4, 2009, and signed a three-year contract with the team, worth a reported $8 million.ESPN.com: Lions, Free Agent Jackson Reach Deal

Jackson was selected 193rd overall in the 1997 NFL draft by the Oakland Raiders. He recorded a standout season in 2001, tallying 69 tackles, four sacks and two pass deflections. After five seasons with the Raiders, Jackson joined the New Orleans Saints in 2002. Mid-way though the 2003 season, Jackson was sent to the Green Bay Packers, where he played through the 2005 season, which was also productive for Jackson, recording 54 tackles, one sack and four pass deflections. Jackson signed with the Falcons in 2006, and has been released and re-signed with the team twice in the years since, leaving the team briefly in 2007 to play nine games with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

In October of 2008, Jackson reportedly tested positive for a banned weight loss substance. Although Jackson was not suspended for the violation, six other players, including Deuce McAllister, Kevin Williams and Pat Williams, were suspended for similar offenses.ProFootballTalk.com: Pat, Kevin Williams Had Positive Diuretics Results, Too

• Mahalo's Guide to Detroit Lions
• NFL.com: Career Stats
  • Height: 6'2"
  • Weight: 345
  • Rookie Year: 1997

• January 21, 1973: Born in Greensboro, Alabama

• 1997: Drafted by the Oakland Raiders

• 2002: Plays for the New Orleans Saints

• 2003: Plays for the Green Bay Packers

• 2005: Signs with agent Drew Rosenhaus

• 2006: Plays for the Atlanta Falcons

• 2007: Released by the Falcons

• 2008: Signs with the Falcons

• 2009: Signs with the Detroit Lions