The Minnesota Vikings have announced the signing of All-XFL WR Lucky Jackson. The Western Kentucky standout is coming off a breakout season for the D.C. Defenders in the XFL.
Lucky Jackson is the third D.C. Defender to sign on with an NFL team since the XFL championship game on May 13th.
Jackson joins all-league punter Daniel Whelan (Green Bay Packers) and S/LB Hybrid Ferrod Gardner, who stays in the District, returning to the Washington Commanders.
Twenty-three players from XFL 2023 have signed NFL contracts as of press time.
Minnesota Vikings Land All-XFL WR Lucky Jackson
Dontavian “Lucky” Jackson is coming off a fantastic season for the North Champion D.C. Defenders. Jackson’s favorable size (6’0, 222) and 4.36 speed were on full display in the XFL. In ten games, Lucky registered 36 catches for 573 yards with five touchdowns, averaging 15.9 yards per reception.
Jackson utilized his size to routinely beat press coverage and break tackles in the open field. And his elite speed was on display as he broke free from defenders.
In Fred Kaiss’s diverse run-based offense, the big-play duo of Wide Receivers Lucky Jackson and teammate Chris Blair (594 yards) emerged as the season progressed and helped lead quarterback Jordan Ta’amu to offensive player of the year honors.
Jackson’s big play ability caught the eye of many who watched XFL games in 2023, including multiple-time All-Pro receiver Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson.
The Lexington, Kentucky native Jackson was a first-team All-Conference USA player for WKU’s Hilltopper program.
Like in the XFL, Jackson earned those honors by coming on strong late in his collegiate career with one of the best seasons in school history.
Jackson led WKU in 2019 with 94 receptions for 1,133 yards. He capped off his college career by being named MVP of the First Responder Bowl against Western Michigan after a 17-catch performance, topping a single-game school record twice in one year, which had stood for 50 years prior.
Despite his late college rise and favorable measurables. Jackson flew under the radar in 2020 as an undrafted free agent. The COVID pandemic, which limited workouts, roster size, and rookie minicamps, didn’t do him any favors.
After being overlooked by NFL teams, Jackson played for the Blues in the Spring League and would spend some time playing indoor football and in the CFL.
Lucky Jackson finally got his shot to shine on a grand stage in the XFL. He’s getting an opportunity that he should’ve received three years ago. Luck was finally on Dontavian’s side in 2023.
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