Just weeks ahead of training camp, Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson has died at 24 years old. Spending his offseason in Maryland, Jackson was involved in a motor vehicle accident.
According to Maryland State Police, Jackson was a passenger in a three-car collision that resulted in three deaths.
Per the Maryland State Police’s preliminary investigation, a car attempted to change lanes at a high rate of speed and struck the Dodge Charger that Jackson and two others were in. That resulted in the Charger going off the road and striking multiple tree stumps.
Press release from the Maryland State Police on the car crash that killed #Vikings fourth-round pick Khyree Jackson and two of his high school teammates early this morning. pic.twitter.com/wllhGAT1Z4
— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) July 6, 2024
Jackson and the two other occupants of the Charger died as a result of the accident. No one in the two other vehicles was injured.
“We are devastated by the news of Khyree Jackson’s death following an overnight car accident,” said the Vikings in a statement. “Our thoughts are with Khyree’s family, friends, teammates, and coaches, as well as all the victims of this tragic accident.”
We are devastated by the news of Khyree Jackson’s death following an overnight car accident.
Our thoughts are with Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches, as well as all the victims of this tragic accident.
💔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/pkgC4kQtWi
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) July 6, 2024
“I am absolutely crushed by this news,” said Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell in a statement released by the organization. “Khyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team … I am at a loss for words. My heart goes out to Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches.”
“We are deeply saddened by the news of Khyree’s passing,” said Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf. “Khyree had an extremely bright future ahead of him as a player, and it was clear he was dedicated to being a tremendous person who made a positive difference in people’s lives. We are thinking about Khyree’s family and friends and all members of the Minnesota Vikings following this devastating loss.”
“I am heartbroken by the loss of Khyree,” said Minnesota general manager Kewsi Adofo-Mensah. “As we got to know him throughout the pre-draft process, it was clear the goals Khyree wanted to accomplish both professionally and personally. His story was one of resilience … I’m devastated that his life and everything he had in front of him has been cut short.”
“RIP Khyree … Love you @Real_Khyree at a loss for words,” said Oregon head coach Dan Lanning in a post to X, formerly known as Twitter. “I will miss your smile. Great player better person.”
“Naaaah not lil Khyree,” posted Vikings’ EDGE Jonathan Greenard. Former Oregon teammate Troy Franklin also posted a photo of the two on Instagram.
Born Aug. 11, 1999, in Upper Marlboro, Md., Jackson attended Wise High School before enrolling at Fort Scott Community College. In his one season at Fort Scott, Jackson put together 25 tackles and three interceptions, later committing to play Division I football at Alabama.
Spending two seasons with the Crimson Tide (2021-22), Jackson totaled 14 tackles, one tackle for loss, and two pass deflections. He entered the transfer portal following the 2022 season, committing to the Oregon Ducks for his final season of college eligibility.
In his one season with Oregon, Jackson started all 12 games and had a breakout season. He had 34 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, three interceptions, and seven pass deflections.
Before finding his football success, Jackson, at one point, stopped playing the game. He worked at a grocery store, even becoming employee of the month at one point.
Employee of the Month: @Real_Khyree pic.twitter.com/BnkpPcho7c
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) April 27, 2024
“I told my mom at one point in time, I’m like, I guess I’m about to be, you know, working at a grocery store.”
But Jackson found plenty of success on the gridiron, resulting in being selected by the Vikings in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.