Not only is Kenyatta Jackson Jr. a rising football star at Ohio State University, but his own family gave him the best foundation for success. The defensive end saw a breakout year in 2023 with 12 games played, nine tackles, and 1.5 sacks. These achievements speak to both his love of the game and the constant motivation and morals he was raised by his parents, Dawnedra and Kenyatta Jackson Sr. He committed to the Buckeyes’ program as a family initiative rather than a career move, and his move was made with care after careful consideration and long-term goals in mind. “We feel happy and elated that he made an adult decision, even though he had the help of both his parents,” said Kenyatta Sr.

Jackson Jr. is as great off the field as he is on it. A son of an upright and talented family, he still does his best to be respectful of his parents’ example. Two-time All-County pick and two-time Gatorade Player of the Year in Florida, Kenyatta Jr.’s uprising was the result of his parents’ steady direction. He comes into his third year at Ohio State with the expectations of family and community in mind, wanting to leave a legacy both as a player and as a man.

Who Is Kenyatta Jackson Jr.’s Mom?

Dawnedra Jackson is more than the mom of a top NFL player; she is Kenyatta Jr.’s soul mate and most committed advocate. Her loving but strict style meant Dawnedra was always an anchor in her son’s life. Her presence can be felt on the bench or in the management of the pressures of student-athlete life — but her spirit can be seen in his confidence and resilience. As Kenyatta Jr. had to manage schoolwork and sports during his high school and college years, Dawnedra kept him on his toes, always reminding him how vital it is to remain humble when things get good.

She is not just emotional, she has assisted Kenyatta Jr. in several crucial decisions throughout his career as well. She said she would let her son lead when it came time to pick between Ohio State and Oklahoma. “She’s always been about making me think for myself but being there when I needed her,” Kenyatta Jr says sometimes. Dawnedra’s self-reliance and hard work are seen through her son’s strict approach to football and life.

She’s her son’s biggest supporter, and Dawnedra loves the person her son is becoming, not only because he’s doing so well. With her constant support and focus on equilibrium, Kenyatta Jr. is successful in the pressure-packed workplace. For Dawnedra, the happiness is in seeing her son develop into a man who walks his talk on and off the field with honesty and meaning.

Who Is Kenyatta Jackson Jr.’s Dad?

Not only is Kenyatta Jackson Sr. a proud father to an Ohio State defensive weapon, but he’s also one of Kenyatta Jr.’s best mentors. As a former athlete himself, Kenyatta Sr has been a mentor to his son, who is trained in discipline, hard work, and determination. Kenyatta Jr. learned early in life to earn his stripes, and he heard it again and again from his father.

“I told him once you get there, you start all over again. Your name is big, but you have to put in the work,” says Kenyatta Sr about his son’s switch to college football.

A man of high character, Kenyatta Sr. was a huge reason his son decided Ohio State over teams such as Oklahoma. He was proud of the program’s focus on emphases and character formation and trusted the coaching staff to grow his son as a player and as a person. The final call went to Kenyatta Jr., but it was a family decision that highlighted how close they were.

Kenyatta Sr, on top of being a father, is also his son’s number one supporter, standing up to bullies and reminding him to remain on track. He remains a constant reminder of the wisdom and pushes Kenyatta Jr. to fight the good fight. He is convinced that his son can be everything he has wanted to be and often says, “Once he takes care of his priorities, the sky is the limit.”

Where Did Kenyatta Jackson Jr. Grow Up?

Kenyatta Jackson Jr.: KJR grew up in the racially active sports scene in Hollywood, FL. After playing at Chaminade-Madonna Prep, he became one of the country’s best defensive end prospects quickly. Kenyatta Jr. had 65 tackles, 15 sacks, and 17 TFL as a senior and showed a work ethic that was unmatched by any other athlete. These wins won him prizes such as Florida’s Gatorade Player of the Year award and an Under Armour All-American game.

He grew up with his parents deeply imprinted in his heart. They talked about how important it was to combine studies with sports, and he stuck to this mantra during high school.  “I always knew that if I stayed focused, my parents would support me no matter what,” he recalls. That firm basis provided him with a vantage point from which to handle the demands of being an elite hire at a time when his mind was skewed.

Kenyatta Jr., who is still working out for Ohio State, has his moments with the lessons he learned as a Hollywood kid. These things, from his peers’ work ethic to the unconditional encouragement of his family, have been the backbone of his accomplishments.“Everything I’ve accomplished so far is because of where I come from and the people who’ve stood by me,” he says.