Report: Minnesota Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson dies in auto accident

Former Oregon, Alabama cornerback and Minnesota Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson died in an auto accident, his agent and former high school coach have confirmed. The Vikings have also now announced the death. He was 24 years old.

The accident also claimed the lives of his high school teammates AJ Lytton, who played at Penn State and Florida State in college, and Isaiah Hazel, who played for Maryland and Charlotte. The trio won state championships at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School (MD) in 2016.

Troopers from the Forestville Barrack responded to the crash in the early hours of July 6 in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Hazel and Jackson were pronounced deceased on the scene while Lytton was transported to the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center where he was pronounced dead by the attending medical professionals.

Jackson was recently drafted by the Vikings with the No. 108 overall pick in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft after spending one season with the Ducks. He previously played two seasons under Nick Saban at Alabama.

He suited up in 12 games this past season for Dan Lanning and the Ducks before opting out of the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl. Tallying 34 tackles (25 solo), he also compiled 5.0 tackles for loss, three interceptions, seven passes defended and 2.0 sacks. His interception total not only led the Ducks’ defense but ranked fourth in the Pac-12. For his efforts, Jackson earned First-Team All-Pac-12 honors in his lone season in Eugene before heading to the NFL Draft.

During his two seasons in Tuscaloosa, the former junior college (Fort Scott CC) transfer played just under 200 snaps. During that time, he recorded 14 tackles and two pass breakups. He also played a career-high 59 snaps in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game against Georgia.

Jackson appeared in nine games the following season for the Crimson Tide but was suspended from the team for undisclosed reasons before deciding to enter the transfer portal.

Lance Zierlein of NFL Network had Jackson as his No. 19 cornerback prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft, giving him a 6.15 Prospect Grade, so the potential for a fruitful NFL career was there. Zierlein described Jackson as a strong outside cornerback with a rare size and physicality that made him an imposing figure for opposing receivers.

After being drafted, Jackson was honest about his journey to the NFL. Coming from a town of less than 1,000 people, he was the employee of the month at a local grocery store and was playing video games, trying to make it to NBA 2K League. Coming from humble beginnings, Jackson realized his dream of becoming an NFL draftee this spring.