Tragedy Strikes the NFL: Remembering Khyree Jackson
The NFL community is in mourning after the devastating loss of rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson, who was set to make his debut with the Minnesota Vikings in the upcoming season. Jackson’s life was cut short in a car crash in Maryland on Saturday, along with two former college football players, Isaiah Hazel and Anthony Lytton, Jr.
Khyree Jackson, the NFL rookie who was killed in a car crash in Maryland
The accident occurred on Route 4/Pennsylvania Avenue and Presidential Parkway in Upper Marlboro just before 3:15 a.m. According to police reports, a silver Infiniti, driven by 23-year-old Cori Clingman, hit the Dodge Charger carrying the three football players while trying to change lanes at a high rate of speed. The Charger went off the road and hit multiple tree stumps before coming to a stop.
Clingman, two passengers in the Infiniti, and the driver of the Chevrolet Impala involved in the crash were not injured. Hazel and Jackson were pronounced dead at the scene, while Lytton succumbed to his injuries at University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center.
Investigations are ongoing, with police suspecting that alcohol may have played a role in the crash. Charges are pending until the conclusion of the investigation and consultation with the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office.
The Life and Legacy of Khyree Jackson
Khyree Jackson, the 24-year-old Oregon cornerback, was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the NFL Draft with the 108th overall pick. Before joining the NFL, Jackson played for the University of Oregon and University of Alabama. His journey to the NFL was not without its challenges, having spent time at three junior colleges and taking two seasons off to work at a Harris Teeter grocery store deli.
Despite the obstacles, Jackson’s confidence and engaging personality drew his teammates to him. As his head coach Kevin O’Connell remembered, “Khyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team. His confidence and engaging personality immediately drew his teammates to him.”
Khyree Jackson in action during the NFL football scouting combine
Jackson’s passing has sent shockwaves through the NFL community, with the Vikings and Oregon Ducks paying tribute to the young player. “Our thoughts are with Khyree’s family, friends, teammates, and coaches, as well as all the victims of this tragic accident,” the Vikings wrote on X.
In the wake of this tragedy, the NFL family is left to mourn the loss of a promising young talent, whose life was cut short in a senseless accident. As we remember Khyree Jackson, we are reminded of the importance of cherishing every moment and the precious lives lost too soon.
A somber reminder of the tragedy that has struck the NFL community
The NFL community will surely miss Khyree Jackson, but his legacy will live on through the memories of those who knew him and the impact he had on the game he loved.
