LOS ANGELES – When the Los Angeles Rams drafted Brennan Jackson in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, they knew they were getting more than just a dependable football player. Hailing from Great Oak High School in Temecula, Jackson epitomizes the aspirations of a local athlete rising to prominence on the NFL stage. But his contributions to the Rams aren’t just about tackles and defensive grit—they now extend far beyond the football field.
On Sunday, Dec. 8, Jackson, the Temecula-raised linebacker, joined the league-wide #MyCauseMyCleats initiative, stepping onto the field at SoFi Stadium during the Rams’ thrilling 44-42 victory over the Buffalo Bills. That night, he wore custom-designed cleats dedicated to the Synovial Sarcoma Foundation, a cause that holds a deeply personal meaning for the linebacker. His cleats told a heartfelt story, honoring the memory of his cousin Nicole, who passed away after battling synovial sarcoma, a rare form of cancer.
“For me, the Synovial Sarcoma Foundation means a lot because my cousin was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma and after a long battle, she fought super hard but, in the end, I just want to raise awareness for this foundation to help others in need and I know for her, it’s a huge honor for me to recognize her battle, her fight, and just her attitude towards it, always till the end. She was someone who always wore a smile and something I want to be able to do is just show others you can fight through this as strong as possible,” said Jackson, whose heartfelt words further underscored why this cause means so much to him.
Along with Jackson and so many others, the campaign provided a platform not only to honor his cousin’s strength but also to bring attention to the critical work of the foundation, which has raised over $26 million for sarcoma research.
“I think My Cause My Cleats is super important for us as players to use our platform to raise awareness for causes that we feel strongly towards,” added Jackson.
Jackson’s football career is rooted in Temecula, where he played at Great Oak High School, excelling in both offense and defense. His undeniable talent continued to flourish at Washington State University, where he became a dominant figure in collegiate football, culminating in earning second-team All-Pac-12 honors. The Los Angeles Rams took notice, selecting him with the 154th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
The rookie linebacker, standing tall at 6’4” and 263 lbs, has brought his physical toughness and work ethic to the Rams. While his playing time has been limited this season, Jackson’s presence is increasingly felt. He’s contributed on defense and special teams, making solo tackles in multiple games, including a crucial moment against the New England Patriots in a 28-22 win.
When this story first ran, Los Angeles sat atop the highly competitive NFC West, holding an 8-6 record and the tiebreaker over the Seattle Seahawks. The team’s high-powered offense, led by Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, and Kyren Williams, kept them on track, helping them not only clinch a wildcard spot, but they also ousted the Minnesota Vikings 27-9 in their wildcard matchup Monday, Jan. 13.
Next up, they face the Eagles in this Sunday’s divisional round playoff showdown. This will be the second head-to-head meeting between the teams in the last two months. The Eagles defeated the Rams 37-20 in Week 12 thanks to Saquon Barkley’s 302 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns.
The Eagles have won eight of the last 10 meetings between the sides, dating back to the Rams’ time in St. Louis. Philadelphia leads the all-time series 24-20-1 overall. Sunday will be the fourth playoff game between the two squads and the first since the 2002 NFC Championship Game, won by the Rams 29-24.
For Jackson, being part of this playoff-driven team is an accomplishment, but his dedication to the game and his off-field commitments set him apart. His involvement in the #MyCauseMyCleats program isn’t just a moment—it’s a movement. It exemplifies the spirit of using one’s platform to make a difference, a sentiment echoed by many of his teammates who also represented meaningful causes during the campaign.
Jackson’s story resonates both on and off the field, serving as a reminder of the unique platform athletes have to influence change. With the Rams’ playoff hopes hanging in the balance and fans rallying behind the team, Jackson remains a name to watch—and one the Temecula community can proudly support.
Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.
