NFL Player Alaric Jackson: Health Scare and Comeback

An unexpected setback

When Alaric Jackson reported to the Los Angeles Rams’ offseason program this past spring, the left tackle was fresh off signing a three‑year, $57.75 million extension. The former undrafted free agent had become an anchor on Los Angeles’ offensive line, starting 35 games since 2022. But his momentum stalled when he began to feel a strange sensation in his lower leg during organized team activities. Head coach Sean McVay told reporters that Jackson “communicated with the team that he was feeling some things in his lower leg,” which prompted doctors to run scans. The tests revealed blood clots — the same potentially dangerous condition that sidelined him for the final nine games of the 2022 season.

The diagnosis stunned Jackson. In an interview he admitted that he told friends he was “in shock” and briefly thought he was done with football. “I have blood clots,” he explained, adding that the team’s medical staff had run numerous tests over the previous months. “I was on the football team. That was more for me… Now we have a good plan ahead of us.”

Understanding the risk

Blood clots aren’t a minor ailment. For NFL linemen who endure violent contact on every snap, the diagnosis carries real danger. Commentators noted that clots can pose severe health risks and that taking blood thinners makes full‑speed collisions risky because of the possibility of internal bleeding. Jackson’s first experience with clots occurred in 2022, when what doctors called “provoked” clots formed in his lungs. Those were linked to an external factor and eventually resolved. The 2025 episode was different: the clots appeared without an obvious trigger, forming in his lower leg. That uncertainty frightened him and underscored how random the condition can be.

Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the Rams placed Jackson on medication and limited him to conditioning work. His rehab regimen included running, time on the VersaClimber, cycling, weightlifting and plyometrics, but he wasn’t cleared for full‑contact drills because of the blood thinners required to dissolve the clots. Vice president of sports medicine Reggie Scott and outside specialists developed a protocol that allowed him to gradually resume activity while undergoing frequent ultrasounds and daily status reports via a QR‑code system. McVay said the organization was taking Jackson’s recovery “a day at a time” and focusing on his long‑term health before football.

Leaning on support

Jackson didn’t go through the ordeal alone. In addition to the Rams’ medical staff, he sought guidance from Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard, who has managed his own bout with blood clots. Quarterback Matthew Stafford, recovering from a back injury at the same time, noticed how disciplined Jackson was during limited workouts and praised him for handling the situation “like an unbelievable professional.” Coaches and teammates rallied around him, reminding Jackson that his value to the team went beyond his on‑field performance.

In July the Rams provided further assurance by declining to place him on the physically unable to perform list. McVay explained that the team had a “plan in place” that Jackson felt good about and emphasized that everyone involved prioritized his well‑being. “It’s always about the human being first and foremost,” McVay said, adding that many people “love him” and are supporting him through the journey. While he didn’t promise a timeline, the coach said there was a real possibility Jackson could be ready for Week 1 if the plan went smoothly.

Fighting back

Jackson treated his recovery like a training camp. He maintained his weight and cardiovascular conditioning while avoiding activities that would increase bleeding risk. He also worked with nutritionists to support his medication regimen. The absence of physical reps frustrated him, but he said he coped by being patient and “trusting the Lord, trusting the staff of course, and following the plan.”

By late August he was cleared to participate in walkthroughs and individual drills. When he finally took part in live team periods for the first time since the previous season, McVay remarked that Jackson had “done everything in his power to be ready to go.” Jackson said he expected to play in the Rams’ opener and wasn’t surprised by that outlook. He noted that his path back included an emotional roller coaster: “Coming here at 21, being undrafted, you know, earn a contract, and then boom… football’s on pause for a little bit. From there to now, it has been an up‑and‑down roller coaster.”

Beyond his own comeback

While Jackson hasn’t formally launched a foundation, his willingness to discuss his ordeal has raised awareness about a condition many athletes ignore until it becomes life‑threatening. By alerting doctors when he first felt discomfort in his leg, he may have prevented a more serious medical crisis. McVay credited Jackson’s candor with allowing the team to identify the issue quickly and put him on the appropriate medicine. The message resonates beyond football: pay attention to your body and speak up.

Blood clots have altered the careers of other linemen. Former NFL center Billy Price retired in 2025 after emergency pulmonary‑embolism surgery; he wrote that the risk of internal bleeding while on blood thinners made continuing to play untenable. Jackson’s situation is different—he and the Rams are optimistic he’ll resume his career—but the parallel underscores the stakes.

Looking ahead

As the 2026 season approaches, Jackson’s story is still unfolding. He’ll continue taking medication, undergoing regular scans and following the plan designed by his medical team. There’s no guarantee he’ll remain clot‑free, but those who know him are confident he will handle whatever comes next. The Rams rewarded his resilience with a long‑term contract because they value his work ethic and believe he can once again be their blind‑side protector. For Jackson, the experience has already reshaped his perspective. “It’s a blessing for sure,” he said, reflecting on his road back. And if sharing his story encourages other athletes to listen to their bodies and seek help, his comeback will have an impact far beyond the field.