Kyrie Jackson, a former fourth-round pick by the Vikings in the 2024 NFL Draft and former cornerback at the University of Oregon, died in a car accident on Saturday.
He was 24 years old.
His mother, Ebony, The death was confirmed to TMZ..
According to reports, Jackson died in his hometown of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and Ebony received the phone call informing her of his death at 4 a.m. ET on Saturday.
“We are devastated by the news of Kylie Jackson’s death following an overnight car accident.” The Vikings said in a statement:“Our hearts go out to Kylie’s family, friends, teammates and coaches, and all of the victims of this tragic accident.”
The Vikings selected Jackson with the eighth pick in the fourth round (108th overall) out of the University of Oregon, making him the 14th cornerback selected in the draft.
He played one season at Oregon after transferring from Alabama, where he played the past two seasons.
Jackson had three interceptions and 34 total tackles last year at Oregon.
“Rest in peace Kyrie…I love you more than words can describe, @Real_Khyree,” Oregon head coach Dan Lanning said. I wrote to X“I will miss your smiling face. Great player and great person.”
Jackson recently took part in the Vikings’ rookie minicamp and OTAs and quickly made an impression on the team.
“We are absolutely devastated by this news,” Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said in a statement. “Kyrie brings an infectious energy to our facility and team, and his confidence and engaging personality quickly drew teammates to him.”
“In our short time together, it was clear that Kyrie would develop into a fantastic professional soccer player. But what was even more impressive was his desire to be the best person he could be to his family and those around him. We are lost for words and our heartfelt condolences go out to Kyrie’s family, friends, teammates and coaches.”
