Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson has died in a car accident, the team announced Saturday. He was 24. Jackson was selected by Minnesota out of Oregon in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the 108th overall pick.
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning confirmed the news on social media, posting: “RIP Khyree… Love you @Real_Khyree, words are at a loss. I will miss your smile. Great player, better person.”
According to Maryland State Police, Jackson was one of three people killed in the crash that occurred early Saturday morning in Prince George’s County. Their preliminary investigation indicates that another car struck the vehicle Jackson was in, which veered off the right side of the road and struck several tree stumps. Investigators believe alcohol may have been a contributing factor in the crash.
Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell released statements regarding the tragedy.
“I am absolutely devastated by this news. Khyree brought an infectious energy to our facility and our team,” O’Connell said in his statement. “His confidence and engaging personality immediately drew his teammates to him. In our short time together, it was clear that Khyree would develop into a great professional soccer player, but what was even more impressive was his desire to be the best person he could be for his family and those around him. I am speechless. My heart goes out to Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches.”
Born in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Jackson played his high school ball at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. The big, 6-foot-3, 195-pound cornerback played his college football in Eugene after transferring from Alabama, where he played after attending Fort Scott Community College. In 2023, Jackson was named first-team All-Pac 12 after recording 34 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, seven passes defensed and three interceptions in his lone season with the Ducks.