The NFL world is mourning the loss of Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson, who was reportedly killed in a tragic accident in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Jackson’s mother confirmed the news to TMZ, telling the outlet that she received a call at 4 a.m. on Saturday that her son had died in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. The Oregonian’s James Crepea reports that according to Jackson’s agent, the 24-year-old’s tragic death comes as the result of an automobile accident.
Jackson attended Dr. Henry Wise High School in Upper Marlboro before attending Fort Scott Community College. He then transferred to East Mississippi Community College for the 2020 season, which was cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and proceeded to spend two years at Alabama before transferring to Oregon for the 2023 season.
The Dr. Henry A. Wise Athletic Department sends condolences to the families and mourns the loss of Khyree Jackson (State Champ 2016 c/o ’17) Anthony Lytton, Jr. (AJ) (State Champ 2015,16,17 c/o ’18) and Isaiah Hazel (State Champ 2015, 16, 17 c/o ’19). #OnceAPumaAlwaysAPuma pic.twitter.com/8SsQEgbR0G
— Wise Athletics (@WisePumaSports) July 6, 2024
Jackson amassed 34 tackles, seven pass defenses and three interceptions in 12 games with the Ducks en route to being named a first-team All-Pac 12 selection. The Vikings selected him in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft (No. 108 overall) and he was expected to provide depth the Minnesota’s secondary during his rookie season.
Jackson’s Vikings teammate, defensive end Jonathan Greenard, took to social media on Saturday morning to mourn the rookie cornerback’s death.
Naaaah not lil Khyree 🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️
— Jonathan Greenard (@jongreenard7) July 6, 2024
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.