The football world was in shock and sadness on Saturday with the death of Vikings fourth-round draft pick Kyrie Jackson.
Jackson, a 24-year-old University of Oregon graduate, was one of three victims killed in a car crash in Maryland on Saturday morning.
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said in a post on X that he was “heartbroken” by the cornerback's death.
“We are absolutely devastated by the news. Kyrie brings an infectious energy to our facility and team. His confidence and engaging personality immediately attracted his teammates,” O'Connell added in a statement released through the Vikings. “In our short time together, it was clear that Kyrie will develop into a fantastic professional football player, but what was even more impressive was his desire to be the best person he can be for his family and those around him.
“I'm at a loss for words. My heartfelt condolences go out to Kyrie's family, friends, teammates and coaches.”
Jackson played one season at Oregon in 2023 and performed well enough to be a first-team All-Pacific-12 Conference selection, but it was his smile that caught the eye of Ducks coach Dan Lanning.
“Rest in peace Kylie…I love you translator “I'm lost for words. I will miss your smile. Great player and great person,” Running wrote to X in a heartfelt message.
Jackson previously played two seasons at the University of Alabama, which also released a statement about his death.
“Alabama mourns the loss of former student-athlete Kylee Jackson. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends,” the university wrote to X.
The other two victims in the accident, Anthony Litton Jr., 24, and Isaiah Hazel, 23, were former college football players who had been teammates with Jackson at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
Litton, a cornerback, played at Florida State (2018-19) and Penn State (2021), while Hazel, a defensive back, played at Maryland (2019-22) and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (2023).
The Wise College athletics department said it was saddened by the deaths of the three football players.
“The Dr. Henry A. Wise athletic department extends its condolences to the families and mourns the loss of Kylee Jackson (2016 state champion, class of '17), Anthony Litton Jr. (AJ) (2015, '16, '17) and Isaiah Hazel (2015, '16, '17, '19),” the Wise athletic department wrote in a statement.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore offered his condolences to the three victims.
“Kylie was a true talent who touched so many lives,” he wrote to X. “We mourn his soul and the two others lost in this accident.”
