Fellow NFL rookie, former Alabama teammate Terrion Arnold sends touching tribute to Khyree Jackson

News of Khyree Jackson’s sudden death sent shockwaves around the NFL world Saturday morning. The Minnesota Vikings rookie, who was a fourth-round pick in April’s draft out of Oregon, passed away at the age of 24 after a car crash.

Jackson started his college career at Alabama before transferring to Oregon. After his death, former teammate and fellow 2024 NFL Draft pick Terrion Arnold posted a touching tribute on social media.

Arnold posted a video of himself with Jackson, celebrating a big play during their time at Alabama. They were in the same position room in Tuscaloosa, and that added to their connection.

The journey it took for you to get to where you was at and you really accomplished your goals of making it to the NFL, you really looked out for me. A true brother and all you wanted to do was see me succeed and vice versa always love slim❤️ pic.twitter.com/b3BNZoZB5A

— Terrion Arnold (@ArnoldTerrion) July 6, 2024

“The journey it took for you to get to where you was at and you really accomplished your goals of making it to the NFL, you really looked out for me,” Arnold wrote. “A true brother and all you wanted to do was see me succeed and vice versa always love slim.”

Arnold and Jackson were part of the 2021 recruiting class at Alabama – Arnold coming from the high school level and Jackson from JUCO. After Jackson spent a year at Oregon, the two both heard their names called in the draft and were gearing up for their rookie seasons in the NFL. In fact, they were going to be division rivals after the Detroit Lions selected Arnold and the Vikings drafted Jackson.

Khyree Jackson was one of three people killed in the Saturday morning crash, along with Anthony Lytton Jr. and Isaiah Hazel. Maryland Police released details of the accident Saturday afternoon, confirming it took place just after 3 a.m. ET. Police also said investigators believe alcohol “may have been a contributing circumstance in the crash.”

Hazel and Jackson were pronounced deceased on the scene. Lytton was transported to the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center where he was pronounced dead by the attending medical professionals.

“The preliminary investigation indicates the driver of the silver Infiniti, later identified as Cori Clingman, was traveling northbound on Route 4/Pennsylvania Avenue in Prince George’s County,” the report said. “Investigators believe Clingman attempted to change lanes while driving at a high rate of speed when she struck the Dodge Charger and then struck the Chevrolet Impala. The Charger subsequently traveled off of the right side of the roadway and struck multiple tree stumps where the vehicle came to rest.”

The Vikings also confirmed Jackson’s death, posting a tribute on social media Saturday morning. Head coach Kevin O’Connell, general manager Kewsi Adofo-Mensah and owners Mark and Zygi Wilf all released statements, as well.