There’s no need to put the tragedy of a young life lost into football terms and unrealized potential in that sense, but Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson, who passed away in an automobile accident on Friday, had the skills to be a real force for his NFL team.
“We are deeply saddened by the news of Khyree’s passing,” Vikings owners Zygi and Mark Wilf said in a statement. “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 absolutely crushed by this news,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said. “Khyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team. 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.”
“I am absolutely crushed by this news,” said general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said. “Khyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team. 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.”
Jackson’s climb to elite status as a player had some twists and turns. He started his collegiate career at Fort Scott Community College before losing 2020 as a COVID season at East Mississippi Community College. Jackson had been a top recruit out of high school, and that finally bore out when he signed with Alabama before the 2021 season. In two seasons with the Crimson Tide, Jackson struggled to find the field among so much talent, so he transferred to Oregon for the 2023 season, and that’s where it really started to pay off for him.
Khyree Jackson had potential for one of the best comeback stories in sports after he worked his way back to football from a grocery store deli. I’m beyond heartbroken for him, his family, and teammates. Be safe and love on your people. pic.twitter.com/rCfej6DKZV
— Jason (@_jason_777) July 6, 2024
In 2023, Jackson allowed 19 catches on 38 targets for 200 yards, 102 yards after the catch, one touchdown, three interceptions, eight pass breakups, and an opponent passer rating of 41.6. Among FBS cornerbacks playing at least 50% of their defenses’ snaps last season, that opponent passer rating was 10th best overall.
Oregon CB Khyree Jackson is a pest, and I mean that in a good way. Once he's on you in press/match, it's hard to peel him off. The Vikings got themselves a steal in the fourth round at a position of NEED. pic.twitter.com/jM7vWqg9Bu
— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) June 30, 2024
Jackson was especially tough to deal with in man and press coverages last season — when in man, he gave up eight passes on 18 targets for 96 yards, 49 yards after the catch, no touchdowns, one interception, three pass breakups, and an opponent passer rating of 38.2.
It was clear that Khyree Jackson had the potential to be a leading force in Minnesota’s defense this season, and while the personal aspect of such a tragedy should always be the focus, it’s also important to remember Jackson as a player and a person who overcame a lot to realize his dream before it was so cruelly taken away.
