The Vikings will begin next season in memory of Kyrie Jackson, who was tragically killed in a car accident on July 6th.
“This was the first time I’ve been able to speak with him since the tragic passing of my brother, Kyrie,” rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy said Friday about Jackson, who died in an accident in Maryland.
“I just want to say everything the Vikings have done to honor him and his family has been truly amazing and something none of us expected, so I’m really grateful to the Will family, the coaches and the team,” he said. [Kevin] O’Connell and everyone else is so dedicated to Kyrie and his family, and this season is really about him.”
The Vikings announced at the start of training camp on Monday that designated lockers and the jersey number “31” for cornerbacks will not be used this year.
Additionally, the Vikings’ helmets will feature the initials “KJ” and staff members will wear special pin badges. Sports Illustrated magazine is.
In addition to adding the stencil to the Vikings’ practice facility, the team will pay Jackson’s heirs an $827,000 signing bonus, the outlet reported.
The group donated $20,000 to cover funeral expenses, which took place on Friday.
O’Connell, the Vikings head coach, was one of many people who attended the funeral.
He paid tribute to Jackson, emphasizing what he meant to the team.
“It was clear to all of us right away that Kyrie was a special teammate,” O’Connell said. “He was committed to working hard for something bigger than himself.”
O’Connell stressed that this season will be dedicated to the late 24-year-old player.
“We will be honoring Kyrie throughout the season,” O’Connell said. “You’ll have a visual reminder of Kyrie every Sunday when you watch a Minnesota Vikings game.”
The coach ended his speech on an emotional note.
“He made an impact,” O’Connell said.
“Thank you, Kylie. You were everything we hoped you would be when we drafted you…There was something about you that just kept drawing us closer…I promise you’ll be with us every step of the way.” [this season].”
