On the Road With Chargers Cornerback J.C. Jackson, Who Is Glad He Can Still Go to McDonald’s

I love going to New York. Sometimes you get snow, I like playing in the snow. It’s amazing. It makes the game a little more fun. When I was with the Patriots we played there every year. I loved it.

I get that feeling every time, man. A lot of guys are not here, you know what I’m saying? Every time I get on the plane or step in a hotel, I thank God for allowing me to be here. You never know when this shit over. Have fun. Smile! I don’t know how other players look at it, but I enjoy every moment of this shit. This is year six for me, and I’m still like a little kid. I love going to hotels. That’s part of football, you travel with each other and meet different people and build relationships.

You’re still walking in like, “Wow, this is really my life?”

What city do you like going to the most?

How do you feel about flying in general? Any anxiety or fear?

Well, it depends. On the way there, I try to stay hydrated and be locked in. There’s no playing around. Guys are watching film, watching movies, or we’ll just get some rest. That’s on the way there, you know what I’m saying? But after, let’s say we won. I’ll keep everything positive. If it’s a big win, we’re gonna drink. We’re gonna play cards, play some spades. Let’s celebrate the win with each other! The way there, everyone is locked in trying to get mentally ready.

J.C. Jackson: First, I have to take my NormaTec travel packs for my recovery. You have to bring a charger, iPad and phones. That’s mandatory. What else? Sometimes I bring my games too, I travel with my PS5.

What are the rules for playing as yourself in Madden? When you’re playing with your teammates, do you guys avoid being the Chargers?

The microwave thing is so real.

So, if you’re playing on Sunday and it’s a road game, when do you guys fly out?

Oh yeah, a few times. It was the worst. I didn’t know what to do! What can you do? You can’t jump off, you can’t fly the plane, what can I do? This was on a commercial plane, worst turbulence ever, bro. I was going to New York I believe. It was just bad weather and we were going through it. With the team, I haven’t had any bad experiences.

Do you ever think about how tame NFL travel is compared to MLB or NBA?

Not me, man. Like I said, I love to travel. I’m the type of guy who will make some fun wherever I go. I’ll make the best out of it. I never look at it like, “This is overrated.” I enjoy every moment. Every day of it, everything. I don’t look at the downside of anything.

What makes a good hotel room, and what makes a bad hotel room?

Do you ever go out when you’re on the road with the team?

I try to avoid going out, seeing people, getting in trouble. I just stay in the room. They have everything we need there! You need a massage, you need food, anything you need, they’re going to try their best to get it for you. My thing? I’m going to order a chicken Caesar salad or some chicken wings. Those are my only two choices. I try not to eat so heavy the night before a game. You gotta stay light. Maybe some salmon, something like that.

He’s now enjoying the SoCal lifestyle as a member of the Los Angeles Chargers, who gave him an $82 million contract ($40 million guaranteed) in 2022. Before gearing up for his sixth tour of the NFL, Jackson spoke with GQ about all things travel. Rocking a Gallery Dept. hat and T-shirt, Jackson let us know everything from his most desirable vacation destination, to the chicken tender institution that he frequents, to the things he learned while being a firsthand participant in the Patriot Way. If the man who goes by Mr. INT lives up to his name—and is fully recovered from the knee injury that held him to just five games last year—Charger fans will be grinning from ear to ear while opposing quarterbacks wish he was on vacation.

No sir. I’m dying to go overseas to play, bro. I’ve never been to Europe. I want to play in London, Paris, somewhere overseas. People tell me that London feels a lot like New York.

What’s your game?

What travel advice would you give to a rookie? Is there anything you wish you knew back then?

Where’s somewhere you haven’t been yet but want to go?

Dubai. I heard about the luxury and the nice things that they have. You know you can ride a car on the water? I was watching a video of Moneybagg Yo and his girlfriend do it. I said, “Where can I go do this?” Somebody told me they had it in Dubai. That’s definitely on my bucket list.

Do you still like hotels, or has it gotten old?

On the field, it’s very clear that J.C. Jackson knows what he’s doing. The 27-year-old Florida native spent the first four years of his career establishing himself as one of the savviest defensive players in the league with the New England Patriots, where he earned a Super Bowl ring after the 2018 season.

Here, there’s no dress code. But when I was in New England? With Bill Belichick? You know you have to dress up. Suit and tie! But I’mma make that a thing this year when we travel. I’mma keep it business casual, get back into that routine. No sweatpants on the plane this year. It’s going to be about business.