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… I love you @Real_Khyree and I have no words to say it. I will miss your smile. He was a great player, a better person.”
According to Maryland State Police, Jackson is one of three people killed in the crash that happened early Saturday morning in Prince George’s County. Their preliminary investigation indicates that another car hit the vehicle Jackson was in, causing it to go off the right side of the road and hit 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 on the tragedy.
“I am absolutely overwhelmed by this news. Khyree brought an infectious energy to our school and team,” O’Connell said in his statement. “His confidence and engaging personality immediately drew teammates to him. In our short time together, it was clear that Khyree would become a tremendous professional soccer player, but what was most impressive was his desire to be the best person he could be for his family and those around him. I am at a loss for words. My thoughts are with Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches.”
Jackson was born in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and played football at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School. The massive, 6-foot-4, 195-pound cornerback played college football in Eugene after transferring from Alabama, where he played after attending Fort Scott Community College. In 2023, Jackson was named to the All-Pac 12 first team after recording 34 total tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, seven pass deflections, and three interceptions in his lone season for the Ducks.
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