It’s been a little over two weeks since the tragic passing of Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson.
It was revealed on Monday morning that the team plans to honor Jackson’s memory and will make a heartfelt gesture for his family, according to The 33rd Team’s Ari Meirov.
“The Vikings will cover a significant portion of the funeral expenses for Khyree Jackson, who tragically passed away in a car accident earlier this month,” Meirov tweeted. “They will also pay out the remainder of his signing bonus to his estate and honor him with a decal on their helmets this season. His No. 31 will not be worn by any player this season.”
Jackson died on July 6 while a passenger in a three-car collision along with two of his former high school teammates in Maryland. He was pronounced dead on the scene.
Police reports indicate Jackson and his friends were travelling in a Dodge Charger and were struck by another vehicle, which also collided with a third vehicle while attempting to switch lanes. The Charger Jackson was in struck multiple trees before coming to a stop.
The driver of the car who struck Jackson and two other passengers weren’t injured in the wreck, which police believe alcohol was a contributing factor in.
The Vikings selected Jackson in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft in April. He was a first-team All-Pac 12 selection last season at the University of Oregon, where he logged 34 tackles, seven pass breakups, three interceptions and two sacks for the 12-2 Ducks, who defeated Liberty 45-6 in the VRBO Fiesta Bowl.
