Andrew Jackson released by Indianapolis Colts

The first NFL off-season move regarding a former Hilltopper was made earlier today, as the Indianapolis Colts released Andrew Jackson, along with two other players, for their first significant move of their off season.

Jackson, who was a sixth round draft pick this past year of Indianapolis, and was used in the way that it seemed the Colts wanted to use him in the long term. But, a pair of DUI arrests (including one just a couple of weeks ago) gave the Colts the decision to test the waters for a linebacker elsewhere.

Jackson filled a couple different positions for the Colts this past year, and was used as a backup linebacker, a fullback and was a key member of the special teams unit, where he recorded nine tackles on kickoffs and punts. From scrimmage, he had seven tackles and even a sack, and appeared in 13 games for the Colts this past year.

The move now sends Jackson through the waiver wire, where much like your fantasy football team, any of the 31 other NFL teams can place a claim for him before he hits free agency.

Along with his off-the-field struggles, Old Hickory was also a loose cannon on the field at times as well, and who could ever forget the stupid penalty he was flagged for during the AFC playoff game against the Bengals? That was just duuuuumb. Regardless, Jackson is a talent that someone in the NFL will want to take a bet on, and its a shame he can continue to develop with the Colts, but he’ll (hopefully) land somewhere else.

Do you think the Colts have made a mistake in letting Andrew Jackson go? Where do you think he’ll land? Does he need to clean up his off-the-field act before he can ever be a key player somewhere? Let us know in a comment below or on twitter @WaveTheRedTowel.