The University of Georgia’s 2021 National Championship football team has written its name in the record of college football history for its unmatched accomplishment in sending players to the NFL.
Yesterday, the final chapter of this remarkable journey was completed when the Detroit Lions selected safety Dan Jackson in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, bringing the total number of drafted players from that championship roster to 31 out of 37 who played regular breaks.
This feat, which saw 84% of the team’s significant contributors securing their place at the professional level, highlights the remarkable talent and development gained under head coach Kirby Smart, placing the 2021 Bulldogs as one of the most skillful, talented teams in the history of college football.
Dan Jackson’s Lions Pick Closes Georgia’s 2021 Title Team Legacy: 31 Players Drafted
Jackson’s selection at the No. 230 overall pick reflects a fitting conclusion to the draft journey of Georgia’s 2021 National Championship team. Jackson, a former walk-on who overcame challenges to become a key contributor for the Bulldogs, is a perfect example of grit and determination that actually gives meaning to this historic roster.
With Dan Jackson drafted to the Lions, that closes the book on UGA’s 2021 National Championship team.
Of the 37 players that played regular snaps in that game, a whopping 31 were drafted!
One of most talented teams of all time!pic.twitter.com/5zaj7z0jNs
— Brent Rollins (@BrentRollinsPhD) April 26, 2025
Jackson’s path to the NFL wasn’t a conventional one. Starting as an unrecruited high school athlete from North Hall High School in Gainesville, Georgia, he joined UGA without a scholarship, a combine invitation, or any external hype that showcased him. He is a pure breed of relentless work, both on and off the field.
This production earned him a spot on the Lions’ roster, where he joins fellow Bulldog Tate Ratledge, a second-round selection in the same draft.
Having spent over six years at Georgia, Jackson amassed 140 tackles, five tackles for loss, five pass deflections, four interceptions, three forced fumbles, two blocked kicks, and a fumble recovery. In 2024, he started in almost all his games, finishing third on the team with 64 tackles and earning third-team All-SEC honors.
The Lions, recognized for their tough culture under the tutelage of head coach Dan Campbell, saw in Jackson a player who projects and fits their identity.
Campbell is a player who values toughness and versatility, and is likely to appreciate Jackson’s hard-hitting style and special-teams expertise as he fights for a backup safety role against other players in the backup room.
The 2021 Bulldogs represent a goldmine of talent, with 31 of 37 players from the title game now pursuing professional careers. Their impact is already felt, from the eight Eagles players contributing to a championship-caliber roster to Jackson’s potential to carve out a role in Detroit.
KEEP READING: Georgia Football NFL Draft Picks and UDFAs: Track Every Bulldogs’ Free Agent Signing
As these players navigate the next levels in their careers, the 2021 Georgia team serves as a great example, and their influence will be felt for years to come, a testament to the program’s ability to produce great athletes and great professionals.
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