Aug 3, 2023; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell and team owner Ziggy Wilf talk at training camp at TCO Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.
When the Minnesota Vikings kicked off the media portion of training camp on Monday, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah made a grand announcement. Covering the funeral expenses of rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson lifts a huge burden off the family’s shoulders. The organization could take that further.
Also, while this draft was entirely focused on how the Minnesota Vikings would prepare for a future without Kirk Cousins, quarterback wasn’t the only position in need. J.J. McCarthy was taken with the first selection in round one, and Dallas Turner was nabbed with the second. Those two picks drew plenty of praise, but both were seen as high-probability picks to immediately contribute.
Not having another selection until the fourth round, the Vikings grabbed Khyree Jackson. A specimen cut of the perfect cloth to play corner at the highest level, he represented arguably the Vikings’ most intriguing pick. Needing help to slow down opposing offenses, Jackson would be given every opportunity to start out of the gate.
Unfortunately, due to the poor decisions of others, Jackson’s life was cut short in early July. Tragedy ended his story, and rather than focusing on his paychecks, the family is now burdened with funeral costs. Minnesota is removing a vast majority of that burden, and that’s the right thing to do.
The team will also remember Jackson with different insignias throughout the facilities and on uniforms. It is amazing to see Jackson’s number, “31,” a digit he was going to get used to, honored. It is a great thing that teammates, many of whom didn’t get a chance to know Jackson fully, won’t soon forget him.
Why not the fans, too, though? This doesn’t need to be a money grab. No amount of money will bring the young man back. However, being able to don a Jackson jersey and now offering financial and emotional support for the family seems like a win for everyone involved. The Vikings sold through the limited jerseys left in the wake of his death and have barred avenues to customize other iterations.
Seeing the “31” being together fans at U.S. Bank Stadium while honoring a memory would be a touching tribute.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.