HOUSTON – Kareem Jackson started 2015 hearing one word…"Yes".
The Texans cornerback proposed to his girlfriend on New Year's Eve in Las Vegas and her answer put a big smile on his face that really hasn't gone away.
"Last couple of weeks have been special for us," Jackson said.
Also special?
A chance to re-sign with the Texans this off-season, which is what Jackson hopes will happen.
"I would definitely love to continue to be a Houston Texan," Jackson said. "Great fan base here, I enjoy playing in NRG Stadium."
Jackson is entering free agency for the first time since being drafted in 2010 and he will be one of the top corners on the market.
In 2014, he battled through injury, missing three games during the middle part of the season. He accumulated 48 total tackles, 3 interceptions and 9 pass deflections.
"With the new coaching staff and coach O'Brien, I definitely love what they're doing and bringing to the table," Jackson said.
Besides enjoying being a part of Romeo Crennel's defense, Jackson says a big reason he'd like to stay in Houston is the relationship he's formed with fellow corner Johnathan Joseph. The two have played together since 2011.
"I see Johnathan as a big brother," Jackson said. "He's definitely helped me with a lot, on and off the field. He's given me a lot of advice."
Joseph, who will be entering his 10th season in the NFL, not only would like for Jackson to stay because of the friendship they've developed but because he feels that Jackson is a "vital part" of the team.
"Having some stability with the same guys, you look around the league, it's a big thing with teams trying to get over the hump," Joseph said. "It would do wonders for me just having that same guy opposite of you."
But the business of the NFL is never fair. Jackson is anxious to see how the process works out.
"It would mean a lot to me, to start my career here and the way my career has gone from my rookie year to now, to be in this position that I'm in is definitely exciting for me," Jackson said.