Vikings to Honor Khyree Jackson with Season-Long Tribute

The Minnesota Vikings will pay tribute to rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson, who tragically passed away in a car accident two weeks ago, by honoring him with a season-long tribute. The team will wear “KJ” decals on their helmets and coaches will wear pins with the same design throughout the season. Jackson’s number 31 will also go unused.

The 24-year-old Jackson was a fourth-round pick by the Vikings out of Oregon and had made a favorable impression on coaches and observers during minicamp and OTAs. He was known for his performance in press coverage and his resilience.

In addition to the season-long tribute, the Vikings will pay Jackson’s full signing bonus to his family. According to Spotrac, Jackson would have been paid a $827,148 bonus as part of his contract. He was also set to receive $206,787 for the 2024 season.

The Vikings will also pay a significant portion of the expenses for Jackson’s funeral, which will be held on Friday. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, head coach Kevin O’Connell, and assistant coaches Brian Flores, Matt Daniels, and Daronte Jones are among the team personnel who will attend.

Jackson’s football story is a compelling one. He originally committed to play at Arizona Western College but quickly became homesick and returned to Maryland. Embarrassed over dropping out, Jackson quit football for two years and worked at a grocery store. He eventually returned to football, playing two seasons at Alabama before transferring to Oregon for the 2023 season.

In 12 games for the Ducks, Jackson compiled 34 tackles with three interceptions and two sacks. After being drafted by the Vikings, he made a favorable impression on coaches and observers during minicamp and OTAs, notably with his performance in press coverage.

Adofo-Mensah praised Jackson for his resilience, saying, “I am absolutely crushed by this news. Khyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team. His confidence and engaging personality immediately drew his teammates to him.”

Jackson’s No. 31 will not be assigned to another player this season, and his locker at the Vikings facility will remain unused in tribute.