J.C. Jackson eager to get back on field for LA Chargers after season-ending injury
COSTA MESA, Calif. ― Cornerback J.C. Jackson’s 2022 campaign didn’t go as anticipated.
As one of the top players on the open market, Jackson signed with the Los Angeles Chargers on a five-year, $82.5 million deal during free agency last year and he didn’t live up to expectations. He allowed a 70% completion percentage and gave up four touchdowns in five games. In his fifth game, which was Week 7 against the Seattle Seahawks, he sustained a season-ending ruptured Patellar tendon injury that required surgery.
Jackson finished the year with just 15 tackles, two pass deflections and zero interceptions. Production far below the “Mr. INT” status he gave himself when he compiled 25 interceptions in his first four seasons as a member of the New England Patriots.
“I felt like (expletive). I haven’t done anything (and) got hurt. I just got paid. I still got to prove to my teammates and to myself that I’m still 'Mr. INT.' I didn’t do (expletive) last year. I felt like (expletive), honestly,” Jackson said of his 2022 season. “I didn’t feel good.”
Jackson is currently rehabbing his injured right knee. He’s been at the Chargers' team facility for most of the offseason. He was working off to the side during Tuesday’s mandatory minicamp.
The cornerback admitted the biggest challenge for himself this offseason has been psychological. But he’s determined to prove he’s still one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL.
“Most of it is mental. Every day is a challenge. You get bored sometimes. You'd be up sometimes by yourself rehabbing. It’s all mental. You got to tell yourself every day that you want it. You want to be the best. I can do it. I’m gonna come back 110%. You got to have that confidence,” Jackson said. “If you don’t have that confidence you’re not gonna do nothing in life. That’s how I look at it. If you don’t have confidence, you’re not gonna succeed.”
The 27-year-old Jackson is eager to get back on the field. He has an appointment with Dr. Neal ElAttrache on June 19 that will give him a better prognosis when he can return to action. He told reporters Tuesday that mentally he wants to be ready for training camp and Week 1.
"He's progressing. He's been working really hard,” Chargers coach Brandon Staley said of Jackson. “This summer will be important for him."
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Whenever Jackson does get back on the field, he’s confident he’ll return to the level that earned him a 2021 Pro Bowl invitation and a mega contract.
“I’m ready to get back out there. I love this game of football and I love to compete,” Jackson said. “I’m excited for this year.”
And his teammates echo his sentiments.
“I see him every day just grinding away,” Chargers defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day said of Jackson. “I expect a huge comeback from him.”
Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on Twitter @TheTylerDragon.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: J.C. Jackson eyeing bounce-back season for Los Angeles Chargers
