In 2008, the Washington Redskins selected Kansas State linebacker Rob Jackson late in the final round of the draft.
After years of hard work, including two stints on the practice squad, Jackson slowly rose to the top of the Redskins depth chart before breaking into the starting lineup during the 2012 season, replacing the injured Brian Orakpo for the last 14 regular season games.
Jackson’s importance to the Burgundy and Gold’s march to their first NFC East title since 1999 rose each week and culminated with his late fourth quarter interception against the Dallas Cowboys in a ‘winner takes all’ matchup to advance to the playoffs. Jackson’s interception led to Alfred Morris‘s third touchdown of the night and sealed a home playoff game for the first time in 13 years.
While Jackson has called the DMV his home for the past five years, his heart is still in Connecticut where he was born and raised in the city of New Haven.
The tragedy in Sandy Hook devastated everyone across the nation and with the town less than an hour from his childhood home, Jackson felt the pain.
Last month, Jackson participated in the first annual Gridiron Chef Competition to help raise money for the victims in Connecticut.
Jackson along with New York Giants safety Stevie Brown joined the world-famous Chef Plum in New York City for a night of cooking and football.
Even though Chef Plum’s day job is to fill the pallets of so many hungry Americans, he remains an avid pigskin fan and is a contributor to Pro Player Insiders.
After finishing tied for second on the team with four interceptions, its safe to say that Jackson got into the head of his competition. But the question remains, can he get into Brown’s head by becoming the next top celebrity chef?
“Competitors and a sous of their choosing will chop, slice, and dice ‘off the field’ from a mystery basket of ingredients. The food competition is set to extend the on-field rivalry between the Giants and Redskins by pitting Brown against Jackson. Dishes will be tasted and scored by celebrity chefs Diane DiMeo and Kim Daisy, as well as former NFL tight end Reggie Kelly.”
After Jackson served Redskins Nation’s playoff appetite with the first postseason appearance for the DMV since 2007, he should have had no problem pleasing the judges.
With time away from the facility during the offseason, Jackson has had time to practice his cooking skills and hasn’t been afraid to let Brown know that he’s going to win.
“It’s an opportunity to show off my cooking skills and have a little fun, but also remember those families who are still suffering. Plus, I know I’m a better cook than Stevie Brown.”
The two NFL veterans were ready to spice things up in the kitchen, but more so didn’t want to lose focus on the purpose of the competition – to raise money for the Sandy Hook Promise, a nonprofit dedicated to helping the victims of that community.
For your enjoyment, below are a few photos from the event. Great work, Rob!
Click to view slideshow.
