Jackson played for the Louisville Cardinals for his collegiate career. As a freshman in 2004 he appeared in 11 games mostly on special teams and recorded eight tackles. Against Army he recorded a career-high three tackles and added two against Cincinnati. During his sophomore season in 2005, Jackson played in all 12 games and had career high 30 tackles. Jackson made four tackles in his first collegiate start against North Carolina. He added seven tackles which became his career high against Oregon State and then two against Kentucky. In 2006, as a junior he played in all of the Cardinals 13 games which included the Orange Bowl. He ranked third on the team with 57 tackles and second in the Big East in sacks and tackles for a loss. Jackson led Louisville in sacks with nine and tackles for a loss with 16. In the Orange Bowl he had four tackles and two for a loss, also recording a sack and a fumble recovery. The fumble recovery came with 1:55 left in the second half and was considered controversial as to whether Kenneth Moore of Wake Forest's knee had hit the ground. His fumble recovery was also the first of his Louisville career. After the season, he was named to the second team All-Big East team.
Professional career
Oakland Raiders
Jackson signed as an undrafted free agent with the Oakland Raiders on April 28, 2008. He was released on August 12. During his stint with the Raiders he was listed as a linebacker.
Albany Firebirds
Jackson signed with the Albany Firebirds in 2009. On May 9, Jackson debuted with Albany and recorded a team high three pass breakups and four tackles. While with Albany, Jackson played both defensive back and linebacker.
Calgary Stampeders
Jackson signed with the Calgary Stampeders on May 13, 2009 as a linebacker. He was released on July 8, but re-signed the next day to Calgary's practice roster. In his first appearance of the 2009 Calgary Stampeders season, Jackson recorded one special teams tackle. In a 44-9 victory over the Toronto Argonauts in Week 3, Jackson was runner-up for the league's defensive player of the week award after recording six tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble. Malik Jackson spent 5 seasons with the Stampeders, totalling 214 tackles, 26 special teams tackles, 11 sacks, 2 interceptions, 7 fumble recoveries and 2 defensive touchdowns. Jackson suffered a broken arm in the 2013 CFL season, which caused him to only play in 2 games that season. In the off-season Jackson was not re-signed by the Stampedes and became a free agent on February 11, 2014.
