Former Alabama football and Oregon defensive back Khyree Jackson died in a car accident on Saturday morning. He was 24 years old.
The news was reported by numerous outlets, including The Oregonian’s James Crepea, who cited Jackson’s agent and former high school coach on his X account (formerly Twitter). The Minnesota Vikings, who drafted Jackson in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, later confirmed the news.
The Maryland State Police issued a news release Saturday morning, identifying Isaiah Hazel as the driver — Jackson, along with former Florida State and Penn State cornerback Anthony Lytton Jr., were passengers, and both were pronounced deceased at the scene.
“We are devastated by the news of Khyree Jackson’s death following an overnight car accident,” the Vikings said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches, as well as all the victims of this tragic accident.”
Oregon football coach Dan Lanning, Jackson’s last collegiate coach, was one of several people who reacted to the news of the defensive back’s death.
Jackson reportedly died in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, his mother confirmed to TMZ. This comes months after the Vikings selected him with the eighth pick of the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Jackson attended Dr. Henry Wise High School in Upper Marlboro.
After high school, Jackson attended Arizona Western College before returning to Maryland after feeling homesick. Two years later, he returned to Fort Scott Community College in Kansas to resume his football career. After compiling 25 tackles and three interceptions, Jackson transferred to East Mississippi Community College for the 2020 season, which was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He earned an opportunity to play Division I at Alabama and started his first career game in the 2021 national championship game vs. Georgia.
Following a 2022 suspension from coach Nick Saban, Jackson entered the transfer portal before landing at Oregon, where he was a starter and earned First Team All-Pac-12 honors in 2023. He played 12 games at Oregon, tallying 34 tackles (five for a loss), two sacks, three interceptions and 10 passes defended. Jackson played 520 snaps and earned an 80.5 overall Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade last season with the Ducks.
Khyree Jackson age
Jackson was born on Aug. 11, 1999, making him 24 years old at his death. Jackson would have been 25 years old for his rookie season in the NFL.
Khyree Jackson NFL draft
The Minnesota Vikings selected Jackson with the eighth pick out of Oregon in the fourth round (No. 108 overall). He was the 14th cornerback taken in the draft. Jackson had earned rave reviews through NFL minicamps in June.
Reactions to Jackson’s death poured in on social media and through the Vikings on Saturday as the news was confirmed.
“I am absolutely crushed by this news,” Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said in a statement. “Khyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team. His confidence and engaging personality immediately drew his teammates to him. In our short time together, it was evident Khyree was going to develop into a tremendous professional football player, but what was more impressive was his desire to become the best person he could be for his family and those around him. I am at a loss for words. My heart goes out to Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches.”