local media's annual “Go To Guy” award, given to the best interview in the Rams’ locker room. In 2005, Jackson was named to the St. Louis Rams’ 10th Anniversary Team in a vote by the fans. He was also selected as one of the St. Louis Rams’ top-10 all-time free agent signings. Jackson finished his career as a member of the Detroit Lions, playing both as a reserve defensive end and tackle and on special teams in 2006-07. After football As he was beginning his NFL career, Jackson was also beginning his career as an entrepreneur, founding The Jackson Investment Company, LLC in 1995, and serving as its president. The company specializes in the purchase and development of residential real estate for urban renewal projects. The company also was responsible for bringing the first IHOP franchise to Washington, D.C. It was the first sit-down franchise in the history of the city's 8th Ward. He has since opened a second location in The Columbia Heights neighborhood of D.C. He has served on the board of directors of the Blue Roof Franchisee Association, a member association representing IHOP franchisees, since 2012. Jackson is a firm believer in giving back to the community. He founded “Tyoka’s Troops” in 1999. For ten years, Tyoka's Troops conducted a variety of service projects including blood drives in Tampa and St. Louis, and partnered with Florida Blood Services and the American Red Cross to raise awareness about the importance of regular blood and bone marrow donation. In 2008–09, Tyoka's Troops also created an incentive program at Malcolm X Elementary School in Jackson's hometown of Washington, D.C. Since 2009, Jackson has been a board member of the YMCA of the Capitol Area (Capitol View Chapter). He also serves on the board of directors for his alma mater, Bishop McNamara High School. References External links Tyoka Jackson's activity with the American Red Cross "Tyoka's Troops" profiled on St. Louis Rams website 1971 births Living people People from Forestville, Maryland American football defensive ends American football defensive tackles Penn State Nittany Lions football players Players of American football from Maryland Players of American football from Washington, D.C. African-American players of American football Miami Dolphins players Tampa Bay Buccaneers players St. Louis Rams players Detroit Lions players American real estate businesspeople Businesspeople from Washington, D.C. 21st-century African-American sportspeople 20th-century African-American sportspeople