NEW YORK — Denver Broncos starting cornerback Kareem Jackson was suspended two games by the NFL on Tuesday for violating the league's substance abuse policy in a September drunk driving arrest, the club announced.

Jackson, in his first season with the Broncos after nine years at Houston, tweeted an apology for the ban, which will sideline him for Denver's final two games of the season at home against Detroit and Oakland.

"I would like to apologize to the Broncos organization, my teammates and fans," Jackson wrote. "I understand the severity in my lapse of judgement and I will certainly not make this mistake again.

"I know I am fortunate to play in the NFL and am held to a high standard of professionalism and conduct."

The Broncos are out of playoff contention at 5-9, missing the post-season for a fourth consecutive campaign since winning the Super Bowl.

Jackson, 31, signed a three-year deal worth $33 million with the Broncos last March. He intercepted two passes, forced a fumble and scored a touchdown for Denver this season.

Jackson was arrested for driving under the influence on September 19.

"There are high standards for the personal conduct of all members of our organization and we have expressed our extreme disappointment to Kareem for his poor judgment," the Broncos said in a statement. — AFP