Tarvaris Jackson's journey in professional football began when he was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. A quarterback hailing from Alabama State University, Jackson entered the league with a reputation for athleticism and a strong arm. His early years with the Vikings were marked by a learning curve as he adjusted to the speed and complexity of the NFL.
During his tenure with the Vikings, Jackson experienced both starting opportunities and time as a backup. In 2007, he became the starting quarterback for the team, leading them to an 8-4 record in games he started. However, his performance was often scrutinized, and he faced competition for the starting role. The arrival of veteran quarterback Brett Favre in 2009 relegated Jackson to a backup position, where he remained for the majority of the season.
In 2011, Jackson signed with the Seattle Seahawks, where he was named the starting quarterback. That season, he started 14 games, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 14 touchdowns. Despite battling injuries, Jackson demonstrated resilience and leadership, earning respect from teammates and coaches alike. However, the Seahawks decided to move in a different direction the following year, acquiring Matt Flynn and drafting Russell Wilson, which led to Jackson's trade to the Buffalo Bills in 2012.
Jackson's time with the Bills was brief, as he did not see any regular-season action. In 2013, he returned to the Seahawks as a backup to Russell Wilson. This move proved fortuitous, as Jackson was part of the team that won Super Bowl XLVIII, defeating the Denver Broncos. Although his role was primarily supportive, Jackson's presence provided valuable depth and experience to the quarterback room.
He continued to serve as Wilson's backup through the 2015 season, contributing to the team's success in practice and on the sidelines. Jackson's career in the NFL concluded after the 2015 season, as he did not sign with another team. Over his career, he played in 59 games, starting 34 of them, and threw for over 7,000 yards and 39 touchdowns.
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