This Carolina Panthers defensive back has sent a strong message on his feelings toward the Seattle Seahawks before facing them in Week 17.
The Carolina Panthers can clinch the NFC South this Sunday, and for Panthers defensive back Mike Jackson, that would involve beating his former Seattle Seahawks squad.
Jackson spent three seasons with the Seahawks between 2021 and 2023 before being traded to the Panthers in exchange for linebacker Michael Barrett, a seventh-round pick who has yet to play in an NFL game.
Jackson certainly remembers Seattle trading him for such a small return and has clearly had this date with the Seahawks circled on his calendar for a while.
While speaking to reporters ahead of the matchup, Jackson made his thoughts very obvious.
"A bag of chips. A stale bag of chips at that," Jackson said of what the Seahawks traded him for back in August 2024.
Jackson then added he remembers seeing himself behind a Day 3 rookie on Seattle's depth chart at one point during his final year with the team, so at that point, he knew the writing was on the wall.
Carolina Panthers cornerback Mike Jackson. Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images.The 28-year-old started every game for Carolina during his debut campaign with the club last season, registering 76 tackles, a couple of interceptions and 17 passes defended.
The Panthers ultimately re-signed Jackson during the offseason, and the move has certainly paid off for the squad.
Through 15 games this year, Jackson has racked up 50 tackles, three interceptions (including a pick-six) and 17 passes defended, the latter of which leads the NFL.
Jackson also boasts a 78.5 coverage grade at Pro Football Focus in 2025, which ranks fifth among all qualifying cornerbacks.
The University of Miami product has played a pivotal role in Carolina's defensive improvement this season, and a legitimate argument can be made that he should have been considered for the Pro Bowl.
The Panthers only had one Pro Bowler this year, with that being fellow cornerback Jaycee Horn.
Carolina is 8-7 and is coming off of a huge win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Panthers can clinch the division if they defeat the Seahawks and the Buccaneers lose to the Miami Dolphins.
If that combination does not occur, then Carolina will battle Tampa Bay for the NFC South division crown on the road next weekend.