D’Qwell Jackson Headed to the Pro Bowl

Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker D’Qwell Jackson has been added to the Pro Bowl roster today. Jackson was an alternate at his position and after Seattle linebacker Bobby Wagner dropped out to play in the Super Bowl.

Jackson will join safety Mike Adams as two alternates from the Colts headed to the all-star game. Interestingly enough, both are replacing players from the Seahawks in Sunday’s game. It is both players first appearance in the Pro Bowl.

The Colts are now sending seven players to the Pro Bowl, the most from the franchise since 2010. The two will join Andrew Luck, T.Y. Hilton, Vontae Davis, Pat McAfee, and Adam Vinatieri in Arizona.

Jackson finished the season with 140 tackles and 57 stops. He also had a force fumble this season and intercepted a touchdown pass from Tom Brady in the AFC Championship game.

That interception helped spark the current “Deflate Gate” controversy following the game. Jackson gave the ball to a member of the Colts equipment staff who noticed that if felt off. The Colts then called the league for an inquiry.

Jackson was a free agent signing in 2014 from the Cleveland Browns. Jackson was of course one of three former Browns on the roster for the Colts this season.

Despite the Pro Bowl nod, Jackson had an up and down season. He started every game this season but often made the highlight reel for his bad plays. Many Colts fans were perplexed by the number of votes he received for the Pro Bowl and its surprising he made the event.

The Colts have Jackson under contract for the next three seasons. While his play might be questionable at times, Jackson does offer a veteran presence at the position. He was brought in to help shore up a questionable run defense, but he failed to make enough of an impact in the final game of the season.

The team has major needs at nearly every position at defense but Jackson is likely a lock to remain with the team for the foreseeable future.