Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was on hand at LSU’s pro day in 2018 when Jackson ran a 4.31-second 40-yard dash – bettering his NFL Scouting Combine time of 4.32 seconds – and was one of just two head coaches on hand to witness that performance.

“Coach Tomlin, he was on me a lot coming out of college, and a lot when I was getting ready to sign my second contract,” the 28-year-old Jackson said Wednesday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. “I signed a second contract with the Panthers and the Steelers were right there. This past trade deadline, they were right there. And now they’re right there again. So, I just feel like it’s meant to be. I can’t even express the amount of respect and gratitude I have for this organization for not only taking the chance on me but making me a guy that they focus on getting, that they really showed they wanted for years and years now. I’m finally getting to be here.