Patriots Daily: Vikings Rookie Dies in Car Crash

A year ago, cornerback Khyree Jackson transferred from Alabama to Oregon. He took the role of top cornerback with the Ducks, vacated by Christian Gonzalez who had been drafted in Round 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. Jackson had a terrific year final year in college before declaring for the NFL Draft himself. He was a fourth-round selection of the Minnesota Vikings. Jackson has passed away before being able to make his NFL debut. He was 24 years old.

Reports indicate that Khyree Jackson was one of three occupants in a vehicle involved in a car accident early this morning in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Jackson was riding in the front passenger’s seat, He was with two of his former high school teammates. There were no survivors in their vehicle. The other victims were Isaiah Hazel and Anthony Lytton Jr.

There were two other vehicles involved in the crash. Police state that alcohol may have been a factor, with charges pending. Pending charges indicate the operator of the vehicle Jackson was in was not responsible for the collision. More details are likely to emerge in the coming days.

Khyree Jackson

Jackson spent to years at community college after high school, though the 2020 season was canceled due to COVID. He transferred to Alabama for the 2021 season and got his first college start in the National Championship against Georgia. Jackson transferred to Oregon following the 2022 season. He had his best season with the Ducks, earning first-team All-Pac 12 honors. He declared for the 2024 NFL Draft following the season.

I projected Kyree Jackson to be taken in Round 3 (No. 90 overall) in my seven-round 2024 NFL mock draft. Following Round 1, Jackson moved up in my Day 2 mock, projected to go No. 82 overall. The Minnesota Vikings selected Jackson in Round 4 (No. 108 overall).

According to @Vikings, 4th-round CB Khyree Jackson has signed his rookie contract 👏

All #Vikings draft picks have signed their rookie contracts outside 1st-round picks QB J.J. McCarthy and OLB Dallas Turner #Skol

📸: @Vikings pic.twitter.com/u3Q1MIiT5m

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) May 28, 2024

The 6-foot-4 corner was expected to compete for playing time as a rookie. It’s a sobering reminder of how quickly things can change for any of us, and how much bigger life is than football. Sending condolences to the friends and families of Khyree Jackson, Isaiah Hazel, and Anthony Lytton Jr.

Also in Saturday’s Patriots Daily:

Daily Patriots Fun Fact

In honor of Khyree Jackson, the Patriots players to play the most games from each of his schools:

Alabama Crimson Tide: John Hannah

Oregon Ducks: Patrick Chungs

Post of the Day

Khyree Jackson’s post-draft press conference, talking about how he thought his future might be working at a grocery store instead of playing in the NFL:

Devastating news to wake up to…

Look at the way Khyree Jackson's face lights up in his post-draft press conference. So much for him to look forward to.

"I just want to start it off by saying I'm just super grateful… I'm just looking forward to making an impact out here." pic.twitter.com/DUJoujKv2y

— Brenna Greene (@BrennaGreene_) July 6, 2024

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