Jackson Named Finalist for 2021 Armed Forces Merit Award

Football
10/14/2021 2:00:00 PM

NU Athletic Communications

Lincoln – University of Nebraska defensive lineman Damian Jackson was named one of five finalists for the 2021 Armed Forces Merit Award announced Thursday. It is the second time Jackson has been a finalist, as he was one of five finalists in 2019.

The other 2021 finalists include Navy veteran and assistant coach Robert Green, Troy chancellor and Marine Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Battlefields to Ballfields founder Mike Pereira, and Nevada strength coach and Army veteran Jordan Simmons. Jackson is the only returning finalist.

Jackson has been a valuable producer for the Husker defense in 2021, serving as a backup linebacker for the Blackshirts after moving from the defensive line. He has played in all seven contests, totaling a season-high two tackles and a quarterback hurry in the win over Northwestern.

Jackson, who did not play high school football and was a Navy SEAL for four years after high school, walked on to the Husker program in 2017 and has played in the Huskers’ last 13 games dating back to the 2020 season.

Off the field, Jackson is a child, youth and family studies major who is on track to graduate this December, and has been on the Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll seven times. He has been involved with the Nebraska Football Road Race, a Day of Service and local hospital visits. Earlier this fall, he was featured as part of a promotional video that helped remember the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

The announcement of the 2021 Armed Forces Merit Award recipient will be made via an 11 a.m. (CT) teleconference on Thursday, Nov. 11 – Veteran’s Day – by Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl Executive Director Brant Ringler and FWAA President Heather Dinich.