Malik Jackson

Talk Title
Is it better to have and lost or never had at all: Learning how to live after the NFL
Talk Description
For over a decade, Malik Jackson was an elite football player. During that time, almost every moment of life was curated by teams, coaches, training staff, dieticians, physical therapists, and teammates. From his time in college at USC and Tennessee to his time in the NFL, Malik's time in-season and out-of-season was largely dictated for him, and any medical needs were attended to by a team of people. Upon retirement, Malik became acutely aware of his newfound freedom without a large organizational support system and learned firsthand the challenges facing retired athletes navigating the healthcare system. Join Super Bowl Champion Malik Jackson for an eye-opening TEDx Talk as he details life after the NFL and his journey to help other "pros" navigate the complex healthcare system to ensure that more of his "brothers" live long and healthy lives.

Speaker Biography
Malik Jackson is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, father, retired NFL Pro Bowler, and Super Bowl Champion.  Drafted in 2012 by the Denver Broncos out of the University of Tennessee where he was an All-SEC selection, Jackson spent nearly a decade in the NFL as a star defensive end for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, and Philadelphia Eagles.  In 2016, Jackson was a member of the Super Bowl 50 Champion Denver Broncos and in 2017, was recognized by colleagues, coaches, and fans as a Pro Bowler - the league's highest individual position honor. Over the course of his career, Jackson worked with philanthropic organizations in each city where he played donating over $1MM and launching Malik's Gifts.  During COVID, Jackson donated medical supplies to the USC Hospital sparking an interest in the medical field.  He continued his entrepreneurial journey in 2023 with the creation of Care League and Partners.