Former Buccaneers WR Dies
Dustin Baker
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Unaffiliated with the Minnesota Vikings, former NFL wide receiver Vincent Jackson was found dead on Monday in a Florida hotel room.
Jackson was 38 years old.
He was reported missing late last week by family but was found just days later by police. The missing-person designation was then lifted.
About 48 hours following the consultation with police, Jackson passed away alone at Homewood Suites in Brandon, Florida. Reports indicate that no apparent trauma, although no cause of death has been determined.
Jackson tallied 9,080 receiving yards during his career – the 63rd-most in NFL history — a mark in the ballpark with players like Herman Moore and Mark Duper.
Against the Vikings
Jackson played against the Vikings four times in his career – twice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and two times with San Diego Chargers. His first career matchup versus Minnesota marked the occasion that Adrian Peterson set the NFL record for rushing yards in November of 2007. Jackson registered one reception for 16 yards en route to a 35-17 loss to the Vikings.
All told, Jackson notched six receptions for 100 yards and no touchdowns during four career games against Minnesota. His career win-loss in games with Minnesota was 2-2. One win came as a member of the Chargers, the other with the Buccaneers.
Connection to Keenan McCardell
During the 2021 offseason, the Vikings hired former wide receiver Keenan McCardell to lead the team’s wideouts.
McCardell has direct ties to the Jackson. The two played together on the 2006 and 2007 Chargers teams – squads quarterbacked by Drew Brees.
Jackson was a three-time Pro Bowler (2009, 2011, and 2012). He also participated in seven playoff games, tallying 503 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
Sheriff Chad Chronister, who has jurisdiction in the county that Jackson was discovered, stated:
“My heart aches for the many loved ones Vincent Jackson leaves behind, from his wife and children to the Buccaneers nation that adored him. Football aside, he touched countless lives through his Jackson In Action 83 Foundation. We shared a passion for supporting military families, and three years ago, Jackson was even made an honorary deputy by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office to recognize his dedication to the community. He will be sorely missed by not only football fans across the country, but also the people here in Hillsborough County who reaped the benefits of his generous contributions.”