Minnesota Vikings star told fans not to 'sleep on' Khyree Jackson just days before talented rookie's tragic death in car crash
- Jackson has died at the age of 24 following a three-car accident in Maryland
- The cornerback was taken by Minnesota with the 108th pick of the 2024 Draft
- READ MORE: Jackson's wrecked car pictured for the first time after tragic crash
Khyree Jackson was picked out by one of his new Minnesota Vikings teammates as a player not to 'sleep on' just days before his tragic death.
Jackson, 24, was killed along with former high school teammates Anthony Lytton Jr., 24, and Isaiah Hazel, 23, in a three-car accident in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, this weekend.
His mother, Ebbony Jackson, confirmed the news to TMZ on Saturday, saying she received a call about his death in the early hours that morning.
The Vikings rookie's death comes just three months after he was selected by Minnesota with the 108th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, following his collegiate career for both the Oregon Ducks and Alabama Crimson Tide.
And days before the fatal car accident, Jackson's new teammate Jordan Addison had backed him to make a solid start to life in Minnesota.
Khyree Jackson was picked out by one of his new Minnesota Vikings teammates as a player not to 'sleep on' just days before his tragic death
When asked which player fans should not 'sleep on' in the 2024-25 season, Addison told Metro Sport: 'Khyree, the cornerback we just got. Don't sleep on him.'
Jackson began his college career at Fort Scott (Kan.) Community College, followed by stints at East Mississippi CC and Alabama, before finishing at Oregon last season and declaring for the draft.
He enjoyed the best season of his career in 2023 for the Ducks, making 34 tackles, including two sacks, seven pass breakups and three interceptions as Oregon's top cornerback.
His selection in the draft completed somewhat of a redemption for Jackson. He turned his life around following a minor arrest in junior college - that was later dropped - according to Oregon Live.
After his death on Saturday, the Vikings wrote in a statement: 'We are devastated by the news of Khyree Jackson's death following an overnight car accident.
Jackson, 24, was killed in a three-car accident in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, this weekend
The Vikings rookie's death comes just three months after he was selected by Minnesota with the 108th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft
Just one day before the fatal car accident, Jackson's new teammate Jordan Addison (pictured) had backed him to make a solid start to life in Minnesota
'While we work to gather more information, we have spoken to Khyree's family and offered the support of the Minnesota Vikings
'We have also communicated the news to Vikings players, coaches and staff and have offered counseling for those who need emotional support.
'Our thoughts are with Khyree's family, friends, teammates and coaches, as well as all the victims of this tragic accident.'
Owners Mark and Zygi Wilf added: 'We are deeply saddened by the news of Khyree's passing.
'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.'
Jackson's former high school teammates Anthony Lytton Jr. (L) and Isaiah Hazel (R) also died
The cornerback posted his final Instagram photo Friday night just hours before his death
The Vikings said they are 'devastated' by Jackson's passing in a statement on Saturday
'I am absolutely crushed by this news. Khyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team,' added Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell.
'His confidence and engaging personality immediately drew his teammates to him.
'In our short time together, it was evident Khyree was going to develop into a tremendous professional football player, but what was more impressive was his desire to become the best person he could be for his family and those around him.
'I am at a loss for words. My heart goes out to Khyree's family, friends, teammates and coaches.'
