The former Navy SEAL had been nominated for the award twice before.
The first college football award of the season for Nebraska has been announced.
Linebacker Damian Jackson has been awarded the Armed Forces Merit Award. It is presented annually to honor an individual and/or a group with a military background and/or involvement that has an impact within the realm of college football.
The award recipient is selected by a panel of individuals from the Football Writers Association of America and the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl.
"Damian has distinguished himself as a collegiate football player after serving four years in the Navy," said executive director of the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl Brant Ringler. "Damian’s off-the-field involvement at Nebraska has been remarkable and we have followed his progress in Lincoln for the past three seasons since he was also a finalist for the Armed Forces Merit Award in 2019."
Jackson, an Armed Forces Merit Award nominee in 2019 and 2020, served as a member of the Navy SEALs after graduating high school. Although he had never played football, Jackson walked-on at Nebraska and earned a scholarship last season.
Over his four seasons of playing in Lincoln, Jackson has played in 18 games, notching 11 tackles.
Jackson was also the focal point of a Nebraska video unveiling the alternate uniforms that were worn against Buffalo on the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The video featured Jackson, fans, and several service members and first responders.
The Child, Youth and Family Studies major is on track to graduate in December. Jackson has been on the Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll seven times.
"It is an honor to have Damian be a part of our football team and a representative of Nebraska Football," said head coach Scott Frost. "Damian has brought accountability, leadership and toughness to our team and helped instill those same qualities in his teammates.
"His impact on our program, combined with his service and sacrifice for our country make him a worthy recipient of the Armed Forces Merit Award."
Jackson will be featured on ESPN's GameDay telecast this Saturday.
