Kareem Jackson
A hard-hitting, durable defensive back who anchored secondaries for over a decade with intelligent, physical play.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American football player·Birthday: April 10·Millennials
Biography
Kareem Jackson built a formidable NFL career on the foundation of Alabama football toughness. A first-round pick by the Houston Texans in 2010, he quickly shed early criticism to become a cornerstone of their defense. Jackson was a versatile and punishing presence, capable of playing cornerback and safety with equal parts savvy and force. His game was defined by textbook tackling and a veteran’s understanding of offensive schemes. After nine seasons in Houston, he brought his leadership to the Denver Broncos, where he continued to be a defensive tone-setter. Jackson’s longevity and consistency made him a respected figure, a player whose impact was felt on every snap.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Kareem was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Kareem Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Kareem's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played 13 seasons in the NFL as a starting defensive back for the Houston Texans and Denver Broncos.
- Recorded over 700 career tackles, 21 interceptions, and 5 defensive touchdowns.
- Was selected in the first round (20th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans.
- Started in multiple NFL playoff games, including the 2016 AFC Divisional Round for the Texans.
Did You Know?
He won a BCS National Championship with the University of Alabama in 2010 under coach Nick Saban.
Jackson and former teammate A.J. Bouye formed a starting cornerback duo for the Texans that was both drafted by the team.
He transitioned to a safety role later in his career with the Denver Broncos, extending his longevity.
“I don't care about the criticism; I just go out and play my game.”
