Former University of Alabama football and University of Oregon defensive back Kyrie Jackson died in a car accident Saturday morning. He was 24 years old.
The news was reported by multiple media outlets, including The Oregonian's James Crepier, who cited Jackson's agent and former high school coach on his Twitter account. The Minnesota Vikings, who selected Jackson in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, later confirmed the news.
Maryland State Police issued a news release Saturday morning saying the driver, identified as Isaiah Hazell, and passengers Anthony Litton Jr., a former Florida State and Penn State cornerback, and Jackson, both of whom were pronounced dead at the scene.
“We are heartbroken to hear that Kyrie Jackson passed away in an overnight car accident,” the Vikings said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to Kyrie's family, friends, teammates and coaches, as well as all of the victims of this tragic accident.”
Dan Lanning, the University of Oregon football coach and Jackson's final collegiate coach, was one of several people who reacted to the news of the defensive back's death.
Jackson passed away in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, his mother confirmed to TMZ, a few months after the Vikings selected him with the eighth pick in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Jackson attended Dr. Henry Wise High School in Upper Marlboro.
After graduating from high school, Jackson attended Arizona Western College, but returned to Maryland due to homesickness. After two years, he returned to Fort Scott Community College in Kansas to resume his football career. After recording 25 tackles and three interceptions, Jackson transferred to East Mississippi Community College for the 2020 season, but the season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He earned the opportunity to play in Division I at Alabama, appearing in his first career game in the 2021 national championship game against Georgia.
After being suspended for 2022 by head coach Nick Saban, Jackson entered the transfer portal before transferring to Oregon, where he was a starter and was named First Team All-Pac-12 in 2023. He appeared in 12 games at Oregon, recording 34 tackles (five for loss), two sacks, three interceptions and 10 passes defensed. Jackson played 520 snaps with the Ducks last season and earned a Pro Football Focus (PFF) overall grade of 80.5.
Kylie Jackson's Age
Jackson was born on August 11, 1999, making him 24 at the time of his death. He would have been 25 at the time of his NFL rookie season.
Kyrie Jackson NFL Draft
The Minnesota Vikings selected Jackson with the eighth pick in the fourth round (108th overall) out of the University of Oregon. He was the 14th cornerback selected in the draft. Jackson drew rave reviews during an NFL minicamp in June.
Once news of Jackson's death was confirmed Saturday, a flood of reactions flooded in on social media and through the Vikings.
“I am truly devastated by this news,” Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said in a statement. “Kyrie brought an infectious energy to our facility and team. His confidence and magnetic personality immediately attracted his teammates. In our short time together, it was clear that Kyrie would develop into a great professional football player, but what was even more impressive was his drive to be the best person he could be for his family and those around him. I am lost for words, and my heart goes out to Kyrie's family, friends, teammates and coaches.”
