When Los Angeles Rams tackle Alaric Jackson finally settles back into his hometown of Detroit after a long NFL season, he doesn't head straight for the TV studio or the golf course. Instead, he spends part of his offseason on high‑school fields and community fields, teaching children to block, run, and—most importantly—believe in themselves.
Jackson never forgot how much sports meant to him when he was growing up in Detroit and later in Windsor, Ontario. In an interview last year, he said that football was his outlet and the place where he learned grit and perseverance. "Talent gets you here, but preparation keeps you here," he told DuJour magazine, stressing that hard work matters more than natural ability. That philosophy shapes how he approaches mentoring younger players.
Teaching Fundamentals — and Values — in Iowa
One of the most visible examples of Jackson's commitment to youth is the Rally for Reid Football Camp, a one‑day clinic in Davenport, Iowa that benefits a pediatric‑cancer charity. The 2022 edition of the camp brought together former Iowa Hawkeyes and current NFL players, including Jackson, Super Bowl champion Jake Gervase, and Tristan Wirfs. Hundreds of boys and girls rotated through drills run by the players, learning everything from proper stance to team communication.
Organizers bill the camp as a chance to "learn football fundamentals from some of the best to ever suit up for the Iowa Hawkeyes" and to discover what it takes to succeed on and off the field. All proceeds support the Rally for Reid Foundation, which helps Iowa families battling pediatric cancer. For Jackson, the cause hits home: as a former Hawkeye, he knows the community around the University of Iowa well, and his participation demonstrates that he doesn't view success as an individual accomplishment.
While the camp's primary purpose is skill development, parents and local coaches say the bigger takeaway is confidence. After running through blocking drills with Jackson, one young camper told his mother he wanted to keep playing because "Coach Alaric said I was strong." Moments like that, organizers note, help children realize that their idols are human beings who once felt the same nerves and excitement.
Guiding Young Rams Linemen
Jackson's mentoring isn't limited to public camps. Teammates describe him as a sounding board for rookies and practice‑squad players on the Rams' offensive line. After entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2021, Jackson quickly worked his way into the starting lineup and is now entrusted with protecting quarterback Matthew Stafford's blind side. His journey from overlooked prospect to starter resonates with younger teammates who may feel uncertain about their NFL future.
"He's the guy you go to when you're having a bad day," a fellow lineman told team reporters earlier this season. "Alaric reminds us to focus on technique and to control what we can." Jackson's guidance echoes his own mantra about preparation: he often stays after practice to review film with rookies and shares tips on recovery, diet, and film study. When asked why he invests so much time, he points back to the veterans who took him under their wing. "I wouldn't be here without older guys showing me the way," he says.
Keeping Perspective and Giving Back
Jackson's willingness to mentor is rooted in his upbringing. He often credits his family and community for keeping him grounded. That humility shapes his interactions with fans, campers, and teammates alike. Participating in the Rally for Reid camp allows him to reconnect with the Midwest community that supported him during his college years. Mentoring young Rams linemen ensures that the lessons he learned aren't lost on the next generation.
Beyond football, Jackson frequently supports community initiatives in Detroit and Windsor. In previous offseasons, he has helped organize toy drives and holiday meals for families in need. He views these activities as part of a bigger obligation to use his platform for good. "It's important to show kids there's more than one path to success," he told a local newspaper during one such event.
For kids growing up in Windsor or Detroit, seeing someone like Jackson return home to coach and volunteer is powerful. It tells them that hard work and resilience can carry them far—and that, once you make it, you're never too busy to give back.
