The Denver Broncos made a surprising move on Christmas day by waiving safety Kareem Jackson, the longest-tenured alumnus of the University of Alabama currently on an NFL roster. The Broncos had until Monday to decide whether to restore Jackson to their 53-player active roster after he completed his four-game suspension imposed by the NFL.

Jackson, who started eight games this season, has found himself sidelined for a total of six games due to NFL suspensions. His suspension was a result of a hit on Minnesota Vikings quarterback Josh Dobbs during the Broncos' 21-20 victory. In the league's assessment of the play, it was deemed that Jackson violated Rule 12, Section 2, Article 10(a) of the NFL rulebook by lowering his head and making forcible contact with his helmet against an opponent.

The Alabama alumnus appealed the suspension, but the NFL upheld their decision, different from his previous appeal earlier in the season. In October, Jackson was handed a four-game suspension for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave during the Broncos' 19-17 victory. The suspension was later reduced to two games after an appeal.

Despite the suspension setbacks, Jackson's career has been noteworthy. A first-round draft pick from Alabama's 2009 BCS national-championship team, he has played 201 regular-season games, starting 193 of them. Only Chris Mohr, Howard Cross, and Cornelius Bennett have played more regular-season games among Crimson Tide alumni, with Bennett being the only one starting more games than Jackson.

With Jackson's departure from the Broncos' roster, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Julio Jones becomes the senior NFL player representing the University of Alabama. Jones has been in the league since 2011.

The Denver Broncos decided not to include Jackson on the roster for their game against the New England Patriots, ultimately leading to his release. It remains to be seen whether another team will show interest in the highly experienced safety.

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group, providing updates on the NFL and Alabama alumni in the league.