It’s been six months since the tragic passing of the promising 24-year-old cornerback.
Highlights
- Khyree Jackson’s parents, Raymond and Ebbony Jackson, were deeply involved in his athletic journey, providing unwavering support and encouragement throughout his career.
- Khyree Jackson tragically passed away in a car accident on July 6, 2024, in Prince George’s County, Maryland, along with his former high school teammate, Isaiah Hazel.
- The Minnesota Vikings and Khyree’s family have honored his memory through various memorial events, including serving as honorary captains during a Vikings preseason game.
Khyree Jackson, a promising cornerback for the Minnesota Vikings, tragically passed away in a car accident on July 6, 2024, in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
Born on August 11, 1999, in Washington, D.C., Khyree was the son of Raymond and Ebbony Jackson.
His untimely death has profoundly affected his family, including his younger brother, Kolston.
WHOLESOME: #Vikings DB Josh Metellus bought Khyree Jackson’s jersey to the teams rookie dinner and placed the jersey on an empty chair at the table.
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) January 12, 2025
“Just want to make sure we save a seat for him. It’s his rookie dinner, too.”
Minnesota plays for #31 🥹
(Via @PioneerPress) pic.twitter.com/CtR1s8n87S
Khyree’s Parents Were Deeply Supportive Of His Football Career
Raymond and Ebbony Jackson have been steadfast supporters of their son’s athletic pursuits.
While specific details about their personal lives and careers are limited, their commitment to Khyree’s development was evident.
They provided a nurturing environment that emphasized discipline, education, and perseverance, laying the foundation for Khyree’s achievements in football.
Their involvement extended beyond the home, as they actively participated in Khyree’s athletic journey, attending games and encouraging his aspirations.
This unwavering support was instrumental in Khyree’s progression from high school standout to collegiate athlete at the University of Oregon and the University of Alabama, culminating in his selection by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Khyree Was Only 24 When He Passed Away
Khyree’s life was tragically cut short at the age of 24.
The Minnesota Vikings released a statement expressing their devastation and extending support to the Jackson family:
The accident also claimed the lives of two others, including Khyree’s former high school teammate, Isaiah Hazel.
The loss of such vibrant and talented individuals has left a void in the lives of those who knew them.
Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson killed in Maryland car crash that claimed the lives of 2 others
— Simo saadi🇲🇦🇵🇸🇺🇸 (@Simo7809957085) July 7, 2024
Authorities said the driver of a silver Infiniti, identified as Cori Clingman, attempted to change lanes while “driving at a high rate of speed.” pic.twitter.com/WRL79xbfL3
His Brother, Kolston, Has Honors His Legacy With Parents
In the wake of Khyree’s passing, Raymond and Ebbony Jackson have displayed remarkable strength.
They, along with their son Kolston, participated in memorial events honoring Khyree’s memory.
Notably, they served as honorary captains during a Minnesota Vikings preseason game, a gesture that underscored the deep bond between the team and the Jackson family.
During this period, the Jacksons have refrained from making extensive public statements, choosing to grieve privately.
HEARTWARMING: The #Vikings have kept Khyree Jackson and his family around the team since his tragic death this summer.
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) January 13, 2025
🥹
You can see how much this means to Khyree’s family; it has helped them keep going.
The Wilf family & Kevin O’Connell are all class.pic.twitter.com/yxEpTF736J
They have also maintained their distance on social media, with Ebbony’s last Facebook post from 2022.
Their focus has been on supporting each other and preserving Khyree’s legacy through personal reflection and family unity.
Kolston, Khyree’s younger brother, has been a source of strength for his parents during this challenging time.
Khyree Had An Illustrious High School And College Career
Khyree Jackson attended Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
He initially played as a wide receiver and defensive back.
During his senior year, he made 39 receptions for 612 yards and 12 touchdowns, contributing to his team’s undefeated season and state championship win.
He started at Fort Scott Community College in Kansas, where he switched from wide receiver to cornerback.
Fuck it Khyree Jackson senior highlights to "Now We Are Free" from the Gladiator soundtrack. Fly high 31. 🕊 pic.twitter.com/mF7LYGzngC
— The Brohioan (@TheBrohioan) July 9, 2024
His performance there earned him a spot at the University of Alabama, where he played for two seasons.
In his final college season, he transferred to the University of Oregon, where he earned First-team All-Pac-12 honors.
Khyree was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Unfortunately, he never got to play in an NFL game.
Additional Information
- Khyree Jackson was an accomplished track and field athlete before fully committing to football. He started participating in track events at the age of five and continued to excel in various track and field disciplines throughout his early years.
- During a brief period when he dropped out of Arizona Western College, Khyree considered pursuing a career in esports. He was an avid NBA 2K player and even contemplated becoming a professional gamer.
- In addition to playing wide receiver and cornerback, Khyree also served as his high school team’s punter. He had 20 punts during the 2016-17 season, averaging 34.0 yards per punt, with 11 of them landing inside the 20-yard line.