Minnesota Vikings cornerback Khyree Jackson, a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft, died on Saturday at the age of 24.
Ebbony Jackson, Khyree’s mother, told TMZ Sports her son died in a car accident in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
The Maryland State Police provided details on the crash, noting Jackson was one of three people who died:
“I am absolutely crushed by this news,” Vikings head 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.”
Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said he was “heartbroken” by Jackson’s death.
“As we got to know him throughout the pre-draft process, it was clear the goals Khyree wanted to accomplish both professionally and personally,” he added. “His story was one of resilience. He was taking steps to become the best version of himself not just for him, but for those who cared about and looked up to him.”
Jackson’s former head coach Dan Lanning and Oregon teammate Troy Franklin shared messages on social media:
Jackson spent last season at Oregon. He transferred to the Ducks after spending the previous two years at Alabama. The Maryland native began his college career in 2017 at the age of 17 at Arizona Western College.
After six months out of school, Jackson enrolled at Fort Scott Community College in 2019. He was set to play for East Mississippi Community College in 2020 before the season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jackson was primarily a backup at Alabama, but he started two games across two seasons. His first career start was in the 2022 College Football Playoff Championship Game against Georgia.
He credited his relationship with Lanning as a primary reason for transferring to Oregon before the 2023 season.
Jackson recorded seven pass breakups, five tackles for loss and two sacks in 12 games for the Ducks to earn a spot on the All-Pac-12 first team.
The Vikings used the 108th pick in the 2024 NFL draft to select Jackson. He was the first of four Oregon defensive players selected in this year’s draft.