The consummate leader on and off the football field, Nabal Jefferson is the second NFF National Scholar-Athlete from Northern Illinois in as many years and has guided the Huskies to two of the most successful seasons in school history. Jefferson is NIU’s fourth NFF National Scholar-Athlete.
A two-time Academic All-MAC honoree, Jefferson was named a CoSIDA First Team Academic All-District selection and a MAC Male Scholar-Athlete of the Week as a junior. Last summer he successfully completed an impressive summer internship with audit, tax and accounting firm KPMG in Chicago, working 40 hours a week.
Jefferson is a two-year starter on the NIU defensive line and has played in all but two games during his Huskie career, beginning as a true freshman in 2009. A mainstay on the interior defensive line, Jefferson returned an interception 25 yards for a touchdown last season. He helped Northern Illinois to three bowl berths and to two 11-win (school record) campaigns. He has been a member of the Northern Illinois Football Leadership Council in each of the last three seasons. Jefferson has recorded 38 tackles this season, including 4.5 tackles for loss and one sack.
Perhaps Jefferson’s greatest accomplishment is his commitment to service in his hometown of Chicago. A constant “big brother” and mentor to the area youth, he continuously speaks to kids about the consequences of making bad decisions and the importance of hard work. After his pastor was severely beaten in a robbery, Jefferson organized 24-care for his mentor and frequently returns to Chicago to visit the 80-year-old minister. He is currently a tax associate at the Chicago office of KPMG, an audit, tax and advisory services firm.
