Like many others in the football world, Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning is mourning the death of Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson.
The 24-year-old Jackson spent the final season of his college career playing for Lanning and the Ducks after transferring to Oregon following two seasons at Alabama. In his lone season in Eugene, Jackson established himself as one of the nation’s best defensive backs, earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors after recording 34 tackles, seven pass defenses and three interceptions in 12 games with the Ducks. The Minnesota Vikings selected Jackson in the fourth round (No. 108 overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Jackson and two of his former teammates at Dr. Henry Wise High School were reportedly killed after being involved in an automobile accident in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, in the early hours of Saturday morning. Taking to X after news of Jackson’s death was made public, Lanning paid tribute to his former star cornerback.
“RIP Khyree… Love you @Real_Khyree at a loss for words,” the 38-year-old Lanning wrote. “I will miss your smile. Great player better person.”
RIP Khyree… Love you @Real_Khyree at a loss for words. I will miss your smile. Great player better person.
— Dan Lanning (@CoachDanLanning) July 6, 2024
Others to have mourned Jackson’s tragic death on Saturday include Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, Vikings defensive end Jonathan Greenard, former Heisman Trophy winner and ESPN analyst Robert Griffin III and the NFL.
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.