Seattle sports fans will remember Elijah Jackson, a junior cornerback from Washington, for decades to come. With seconds remaining in Monday’s Sugar Bowl, Jackson swatted a potential game-winning touchdown pass away from Texas receiver Adonai Mitchell. That was the moment when everything was at stake.
The Husky defense stopped the Longhorns on third-and-11 at UW’s 12-yard line, and they had to hold for one more play to guarantee their place in the national championship game versus Michigan. They were devastated to learn that the referees were adding another second to the clock. Quinn Ewers, the quarterback for Texas, lofted an almost perfectly-placed pass toward Mitchell in the end zone as Washington fans watched in agonizing expectation.
To secure a 37-31 victory, however, Jackson sprang and batted the ball out of bounds, sparking a frenzied celebration throughout Husky country. Reminiscent of “The Tip,” also known as “The Immaculate Deflection,” the play was uncannily similar to the 2013 NFC Championship Game moment when Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman blocked a pass meant for San Francisco receiver Michael Crabtree, sending the team to the Super Bowl.
Both plays featured players wearing No. 25, had a similar structure, and both sent their clubs to the championship game. It was a rather unsettling similarity in many aspects. The greatest distinction between them was that Jackson swatted the Ewers pass out of bounds, while Sherman’s tip diverted the ball into the clutches of linebacker Malcolm Smith. In addition, Sherman trash-talked Crabtree on national television after the play, but Jackson did nothing of the kind when the Huskies started their postgame festivities.
From his fifth-row seats at the 40-yard line, Jerome Jackson exhaled a sigh of relief as UW supporters applauded the play everywhere from Ravenna to the Superdome. Jerome was sure his son would succeed when he, his wife Cinniamon, and their daughter Heaven noticed Ewers’ pass on its way to Elijah. Jerome said, “Go get it,” in response to his response. “Son, go grab it. Play a role. You know, they’ve been prepared for important occasions like this.
From the previous year, they have been on a quest. He has, therefore, experienced many highs and lows, but he has always maintained his composure and his humility.” For the younger Jackson, the game was somewhat of a roller coaster in the run-up to the play’s conclusion. Earlier in the game, he let up a touchdown throw to Mitchell and then allowed receiver Xavier Worthy to get a pass that was about forty yards long.
Jackson was targeted by opposing quarterbacks more often than teammate All-PAC-12 second team member Jabbar Muhammad or former Pac-12 Player of the Week Mishael Powell during the whole game and season. But Jerome stated that his son saw it as an opportunity to show himself, and that’s exactly what he did when Ewers came his way, instead of taking it as an affront to his ability. Elijah also interpreted the play’s conclusion as validation of his family’s and his own labors in getting him this far.
“I feel like just me making that play helped to show them like, you know, all the sacrifices, they didn’t waste sacrificing their time and their effort,” he stated. Thus, I thought that my presence was a type of thank you. In a way, that play was also for them. It demonstrated that all of the effort you helped put into me wasn’t in vain.” Elijah Jackson began his football career as a wide receiver before switching to cornerback, just like Sherman.
Jackson focused his early athletic energies on taekwondo and didn’t even start playing football until his freshman year of high school. As a junior, he switched to defensive back. Jackson may have started the season late, but he showed his ability right away and developed into a player who was able to step up in the most important game of the season.
Jackson stated, “Pressure is a privilege.” “I like to say that, so all of my teammates, including Thaddeus Dixon and Jabbar Muhammad, who is behind me, wish they were in my shoes. Do you understand what I mean? Since everyone is dependent upon it. Everyone desires to experience that moment of strain. I thus had the chance. I’m honored to be present.” Jackson’s teammates were happy to see him receive his moment to shine after he struggled on those two plays early in the game.
Huskies edge rusher Bralen Trice said, “He’s a big part of our defense and a big part of our team, so to see him capitalize on an opportunity like that is huge.” “Seeing younger guys who I’ve been watching, looking at, and playing next to since they first came in get opportunities like that is really significant, especially for me as a vet. Really, it brings me joy. It brings joy to our entire defense team.”
Jackson’s one consistent quality during his time in college has been perseverance. It hasn’t been easy, with head coaching changes, limited playing time in his first two seasons, and a rookie season that was cut short due to COVID-19. But Jackson has persevered despite everything. According to his father, he doesn’t usually vent about his lack of playing time or make threats to use the transfer site.
He persevered in paying his dues and put in a lot of effort, earning the starting cornerback position for fall camp. And when at last his big chance arrived? He was prepared. “You’re looking at a guy who, with his growing confidence, has come a long way just this year. It’s really tough to play corner,” coach Kalen DeBoer remarked. “Plays will be performed by guys. He has truly developed into someone we can rely on when we reach this level and this kind of game, where a play will inevitably be made. Being able to simply brush it from your memory and move on to the next one.”
With his historic play on Monday night, which ended one of the wildest, most tense games in school history and put an end to the Longhorns’ late comeback, Jackson cemented his place in the annals of Husky history. Years from now, supporters will remember Elijah Jackson’s pivotal performance when the Huskies most needed it, while enjoying beers at neighborhood Husky bars and attending tailgates. Jerome will never forget seeing his son take the lead in creating a classic Husky play.
“It was a beautiful thing, you know, and emotional,” Jerome recalled. “However, I was always aware of his abilities and his ability to accomplish it. All he needed to do was wait for the chance to demonstrate it. Elijah and I both knew they were going to target him. He was therefore prepared.”
Even though Jackson’s play of his life has already made Husky history, the work is far from over. “I think it’s real cool, but I feel like the history aspect is, we’re not done yet,” Elijah replied. “You see what I’m saying? I’m still writing the story. I believe that our history is only getting started. After this one more game, as the dust settles, we may discuss history. However, we’re pursuing something amazing right now.”
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