SANTA CLARA – Defensive end Drake Jackson recorded three sacks in the 49ers’ Week 1 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The performance opened the eyes of Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons, who had some catchy words about Jackson on his podcast.
“That was great,” Jackson said Wednesday. “Shout out to Micah Parsons for that, man. That’s a really good tribute, especially from one of the most prolific pass rushers in the league.”
Jackson said he didn’t really know Parsons, so the praise surprised him.
“Yes, it happened because (he’s) a guy from another team, and just to see that they care about the league, it’s really cool,” Jackson said.
On his podcast, “The Edge with Micah Parsons,” the 2022 NFL Defensive Player of the Year runner-up highlighted Jackson after the 49ers’ 30-7 win in Pittsburgh.
“The guy no one talks about. Drake Jackson,” Parsons said. “He had three sacks. Why isn’t anyone talking about Drake Jackson?
“So, don’t let those guys get any exposure to the sun because (Jackson) is surrounded by guys like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, and guys love that because they’re filled with such a great team. I think he’s a guy.” “I’ll have to look for it.”
If the regular season opener is any indication, the entire NFL will have to look out for Jackson.
And it started with Jackson’s first snap of the game, when he entered on a third-and-5 play to replace starting defensive end Clelin Ferrell. The second-year pro threw to Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett for a 10-yard loss.
“The first third is down, it’s crazy,” Jackson said. “But we try to do it every time. Having it happen the first time sets things up for everything that comes after.”
What came next was two more sacks, matching Jackson’s season total while appearing in 15 games during his rookie year.
RELATED: Bosa jealous of Jackson’s three-sack performance
Could this be a sign of things to come for Jackson? Jackson spent the entire offseason training at the 49ers’ facility in order to put on weight and build strength for the rigors of the NFL season.
“I hope it shows,” Jackson said. “I’m just doing what I can. More of that to come, hopefully.”
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