Vikings Do Right by Khyree Jackson
Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson passed away on July 6th in a Maryland car accident. The investigation into his death remains ongoing, and criminal charges could be filed against the driver who caused his death.
Vikings Do Right by Khyree Jackson
And on the Vikings’ side of operations, the franchise will take care of Jackson’s family, paying for his funeral and his full signing bonus.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert reported this week, “The Minnesota Vikings finalized a series of plans Monday to honor fourth-round draft choice Khyree Jackson, who was killed in a July 6 car accident, including a $20,000 contribution for funeral expenses.”
The team will also pay about $830,000, Jackson’s signing bonus, to his estate. Other resources, such as the NFLPA, could be available for more financial support.
The Vikings’ foremost leaders, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell, held a press conference Monday for the start of training camp and began the customary event by paying homage to the fallen Viking.
O’Connell spoke first. “Throughout the draft process and then his early time being a Minnesota Viking, you felt a guy that had such a laser focus on what his mission, his plan was,” he said. “And it really showed up in the spring. He had a very good spring and was really looking to coming back to training camp and being well on his way on that path to having a big impact on our team for this year.”
Adofo-Mensah added shortly after, “He said something to me that ultimately helped lead to why we wanted to bring him into this building, and speaks a lot to how he was brought up. He said, ‘There’s no wishes in this life. You get out of life what you put into it.’ Between his joy, the way he attacked life, and also just that hard-working spirit, was partly why we were so excited to add him to this building, this culture.”
Meanwhile, Jackson’s jersey No. 31 will be unused this season, Vikings players will wear a “KJ” decal on their helmets, and Jackson’s locker will remain intact.
Jackson’s funeral is Friday in Maryland, and most of the team’s coaching staff will attend.
“Khyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team. His confidence and engaging personality immediately drew his teammates to him,” O’Connell issued a statement soon after Jackson’s death. “In our short time together, it was evident Khyree was going to develop into a tremendous professional football player, but what was more impressive was his desire to become the best person he could be for his family and those around him. I am at a loss for words. My heart goes out to Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches.”
Jackson was 24.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
You must be logged in to post a comment.