'No Place Like Home': DB Kareem Jackson Reveals Feelings on Texans Signing

The move worked for both sides. Jackson, 35, returns to where his career began while the Texans upgrade their secondary for a run at the postseason. For eight seasons, Jackson stood as a fixture in the Texans' secondary, and DeMeco Ryans knows that's what's needed to close out the year. 

“I’ve had a chance to watch them quite a bit this year,” Jackson said of the Texans’ defense. “I just want to add to it. I want to be a piece to the puzzle. However I can help this team win, I’m all for that.”

The 2023 campaign has been rocky for Jackson. When on the field, he's been a sturdy defender, recording 51 tackles and two interceptions. 

Therein lies the concern: on-field production, Jackson was suspended twice by the league for unnecessary roughness infractions, ultimately factoring into his release. Jackson first was sidelined for two games in October after hitting a Green Bay Packers receiver while out of bounds. 

Then, in November, Jackson was suspended for four games after “repeated violations" when hitting Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs with the crown of his head. 

"I’m not the only guy playing a physical style of play. Am I the one being crucified for it? Yeah. I don’t know why," Jackson said. "But at the end of the day, it is what it is. For me, it’s all about putting that behind me and getting back into ball and the rhythm of things and how I can help this team.”

There's a balance for the NFL that players must follow. The league intends to protect players by lessening the violence of the hits, but it's also taken the consistency out of plays. With fewer big-time hits, the more offensive consistency one is receiving. 

Jackson said he knows it's the defender's job to keep an offensive player safe, but it's also his responsibility to make plays in the open field. 

"I don’t see how you can do all three. For me, it’s all about flying around and just playing football. It’s a physical sport. Stuff is going to happen out there. I can try my best not to hit guys in the head and neck, try to lower my strike zone if I can. It’s all about playing within the rules as much as I can and not getting fined or suspended again.”

The league recently instated Jackson for the first time since Nov. 19. Ryans didn't say if Jackson would start in place of Ward for Sunday's home finale against the Tennessee Titans, but his experience could do wonders when playing the run against All-Pro Derrick Henry. 

“Kareem is a really good player, but he’s also a really great teammate,” Ryans said. “I know he cares a lot and he’ll do a great job of helping our young guys and teaching all of our young guys.”

Ryans said that Jackson's suspensions had no bearing on the team bringing back the veteran for the final two games. If anything, his veteran presence could be a blessing with mixed play from Jalen Pitre in coverage. 

"I know Kareem has made a lot of plays in this league. As all of us do, you have some things to clean up technique-wise and make better decisions there," said Ryans. "But that didn’t slow the decision down from bringing him in.”

If anyone can attest to Jackson's skillset, it's Ryans, who played alongside the Pro Bowler from 2010-11 under Gary Kubiak. Ryans watched the Alabama product transform from a physical boundary corner into one of the better run defenders on the edge over two seasons. 

For Jackson, he's hoping to keep it quiet that he played with the head coach to hide his age. What he's not hiding are his thoughts on Ryans' coaching job. 

Houston compiled seven wins under David Culley and Lovie Smith between 2021 and 2022. The Texans already have more wins this season in Year 1 under Ryans. 

Jackson is far from surprised. He expected the Texans to be on the rise after Ryans was brought back to where his career began. 

"I know what type of player he was and he’s the same as a coach, or even more as far as his leadership role," Jackson said of Ryans. "Watched his progress, how he carries himself as a leader in a way the guys here kind of rally behind him.”

Jackson now rallies behind Ryans, too. He relishes knowing he is back. 

He's home.