Horrible news in the NFL world on Saturday, as multiple reports indicate Minnesota Vikings cornerback Khyree Jackson, and it appears a couple of his high school teammates, died in a car accident. He was only 24 years old.
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
Former Oregon CB Khyree Jackson, who was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings, died in an auto accident, his agent and former high school coach confirm.
— James Crepea (@JamesCrepea) July 6, 2024
The former University of Oregon star was a fourth-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft and had a shot to compete for playing time at one of the Vikings’ most evident positions of need. Jackson was a first-team all-Pac-12 selection this past season, and had quite the journey through college football to emerge as a standout at the highest level.
Beginning at Fort Scott Community College, Jackson then transferred to Alabama and played sparingly for two seasons. His transfer to Oregon led to a starting role, and Jackson ran with the opportunity. He piled up three interceptions, seven passes defensed, two sacks, and 34 total tackles (5 TFL) for the Ducks.
At 6-foot-4, Jackson was a long, physical player who was a great fit as a boundary corner for Brian Flores’ aggressive scheme. Sadly, his time on the field and in life were cut short.
It’s stunning to see someone who had to grind so hard to get to where he was be taken so abruptly by a tragic accident. Jackson was working at a grocery store for a time and wasn’t sure football was even in his future. He had the personality and weathered enough adversity that seemed tailor-made for an NFL success story where he’d far exceed his rather humble fourth-round draft status.
Employee of the Month: @Real_Khyree pic.twitter.com/BnkpPcho7c
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) April 27, 2024
Condolences and grieving friends are beginning to hit social media, including posts from ex-Oregon wide receiver Troy Franklin and head coach Dan Lanning.
From Jackson’s teammate at Oregon Troy Franklin on IG this morning. It’s clear what he meant to his fellow Ducks. pic.twitter.com/zsA0aLFUHI
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 6, 2024
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
Best wishes to Jackson’s loved ones and those who knew him best during this time. As Lanning said, it’s hard to even find the words to express how awful this is.
