With Football and Watches, Malik Jackson Plays Big

Malik Jackson has an affinity for the fine that matured with age and success. The 27-year-old NFL player has accomplished more than many football stars at his age. In 2016, Jackson claimed Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos, where he played as a defensive lineman for four seasons. A month after the win, he inked a $90-million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. As time has revealed Jackson’s talent for the sport, he has nurtured a polished mien, buoyed by a growing watch collection.

How has your style evolved over time?
I was blessed enough to be able to go to Denver Broncos where they had guys like DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller, who are really up on fashion. I was just watching Von on and off the field and what he did really kind of molded me to be able to see and understand that when you make a certain amount of money, looking the part is just as bug as having it. I just want to be able to kind of transcend the baggy clothes and the urban look to kind of grow up to be looking like I have a daughter, looking like a dad; somebody presentable at all times. Doing that, I was able to get my stylist, and he was able to put me up when I got some Christian Louboutin, just all the high-end stuff, the Off-White brand. You know, just trying to really step up my game as far as fashion. I like to be presentable on and off the field.

What was the first watch you bought?
It was a Citizen Eco. I did that when I was in the NFL, about 21 years old. That’s when I really got into watches. I felt like I was ballin’ with the little Citizen Eco. I was just living life, putting it on. I was just feeling good about myself. I was happy with that.

What is in your watch collection today?
I will say how I got into it. Before I had my deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars, I was looking around at watches. I do like watches, but at the time I could only afford the Citizen Eco’s of the world, but then I saw Von Miller, DeMarcus Ware and Peyton Manning wear Patek Philippe and Rolex and Panerai―the real subtle things. So, when I was able to come to my money, I told myself that when I did that I want to get a Patek Philippe World Time watch with a blue band, and that’s what I did. So, my first watch was a World Time. That was my first big purchase, $150,000. But at the same time, I was able to get a great deal. The Patek dealer gave me a Patek Nautilus in rose gold. I got both of those at the same time, so I spent $200,000 in one night on those two watches. A few months ago was my birthday, January 11, and I have been looking at the Patek Philippe 5205 in White Gold. I saw one in New York and got that. So, I have three Pateks.

Are there any other brands that you like?
To be honest with you, I just like Patek a lot. I like Panerai, but I think for my next watch… I like the work in the watches on the face, so maybe I am thinking a Louis Moinet, just something with intricate functions because I love the work.

If money was no concern, what watch would you buy?
The $1 million Patek Sky Moon Tourbillon.

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