NFL Player Turned Chef: Houston’s Eddie Jackson Crowned Food Network Star

After a fiercely competitive eleventh season, Food Network Star concluded Sunday night with Eddie Jackson of Houston named the winner of the series grand prize: his own show on Food Network. A former NFL player who became a personal trainer, food truck owner and private chef, Eddie proved to be the ultimate culinary champion known for his charismatic personality, charm under pressure and spectacular cooking skills. His take on food, which combines his southern background with his passion for rich bold flavors, consistently distinguished him with the judges and audience over the 11-episode season. Leading into the finale, the eleventh outing of Food Network Star averaged 1.0 rating among A25-54, up +15% from last season. In the hit series, culinary icons Giada De Laurentiis and Bobby Flay lead the charge to find the next promising face in food television and this year’s finale came down to three finalists: Eddie, Jay Ducote (Baton Rouge, La.) and Dom Tesoriero (Staten Island, NY). The winner’s show will premiere late fall 2015 in primetime.

“The camera loves Eddie Jackson. He came to this competition with impeccable cooking skills, tremendous on-air charisma and that innate ‘Star’ quality – add in the focus and determination from his days as an athlete, and Eddie was a clear standout among this very talented cast,” said Bob Tuschman, General Manager and Senior Vice President, Food Network. “We are excited to bring his energy, charm and passion for food to the network.”

Eddie Jackson is a former NFL player who is a fierce competitor, both in the kitchen and on the field. Now a private chef and personal trainer, he also owns a Caribbean grill-inspired food truck in Houston. In Eddie’s world, there is no need for a “cheat day,” because his good-for-you food is packed with flavor and does not leave you feeling deprived. In addition to his own show on Food Network, Eddie will make an appearance at the upcoming Food Network & Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival this October and be featured in Food Network Magazine.