Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson was killed in a car crash overnight, the team announced Saturday. He was 24.
Details of the crash were not immediately available. Jackson’s mother, Ebbony, told TMZ that her son died in his hometown of Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
Jackson was selected by the Vikings in the fourth round of this year’s draft and was considered a contender to start at cornerback.
“We are devastated by the news of Khyree Jackson’s passing following an overnight car accident,” the Vikings said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches, and all the victims of this tragic accident.”
Jackson played his final season of college football at Oregon, and Ducks coach Dan Lanning was among those who paid tribute to Jackson on social media.
RIP Khyree… I love you @Real_Khyree I don’t know what else to say. I’ll miss your smile. A great player, a better person.
— Dan Lanning (@CoachDanLanning) July 6, 2024
He was a first-team All-Pac-12 selection for Oregon in 2023. Prior to joining the Ducks, Jackson played two seasons at Alabama under coach Nick Saban. He had retired from football at one point after high school before returning to the sport at a community college and advancing to the Division I level.
“I am absolutely overwhelmed by this news,” Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said in a statement. “Khyree brought an infectious energy to our school and team. His confidence and engaging personality immediately drew his teammates to him. In our short time together, it was clear that Khyree would become a tremendous professional football player, but what was most impressive was his desire to be the best person he could be for his family and those around him. I am at a loss for words. My thoughts are with Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches.”
