On the 6th of July, Saturday, a tragic event hit the world of college football. Khyree Jackson, who was said to be happy in his teammates’ glory more than his own, now rests at peace with a star of his name up above. Thousands of Alabama supporters, along with Nick Saban‘s family came in to mourn his death and hold hands in prayers.

Khyree Jackson, with his two friends and former players from his high school time, Isaiah Hazel and Anthony Lytton Jr. also lost their lives in this tragic car crash in Prince George’s County. While remembering his fond memories, a heartwarming clip surfaced on X between Khyree and Nick Saban, showcasing their wonderful bond.

A true gem: Khyree Jackson

On the 7th of July, Bolt Analysis posted a tweet with a small video clip of Khyree Jackson and Nick Saban’s light-hearted interaction. On the 7th of July, Bolt Analysis posted a tweet featuring a small video clip of Jackson playfully imitating Nick as they walked, with Jackson saying, “I ain’t close, you beat me off the building.” The video seems to come out of Jackson’s Instagram story, which he captioned as, “he not tryin to be great today 😂 “I got work to do” (Nick’s possible reply)”. Well, the bond that they both had is unquestionable and, on top of it, incomparable.

Khyree’s life had been full of adventure. From his transfer to Oregon after the 2022 season, where he continued to excel, earning First Team All-Pac-12 honors in 2023. He was later drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft as a rookie cornerback. And now this happened! As Jerry Rice rightly said while mourning Khyree’s death, “Never Know What Could Happen”. 

Khyree Jackson, who was a part of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. It is indeed not a good time for Jackson’s family, who will struggle in the period of crisis and mourn the death of their beloved child. But everyone is there for them, including Saban’s family, holding hands in the time of crisis. Though Nick Saban himself has not given any statement as of now, maybe he is still processing the loss. Meanwhile, his daughter, Kristen Saban, is a reflection of empathy and support, posted on her Instagram account a story about the untimely departure of Khyree. The football world environment has not been joyous since Khyree left.

Everyone joined in hands to mourn Khyree Jackson’s departure

The whole departure thing came out as a shock to everyone. But who can win against destiny, alas? Kevin O’Connell, head coach of the Minnesota Vikings who has seen Khyree very closely, came in expressing what he was feeling about the CB’s untimely death. He said, “I am absolutely crushed by this news.” He added and talked about the energy Khyree brought with him every time he was around. Kevin said, “Khyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team. His confidence and engaging personality immediately drew his teammates to him.”

Terrion Arnold, a defensive back for Alabama who played with him in the 2021 and 2022 seasons, also took up Instagram to share the deep remorse that he felt after Khyree’s early demise. He posted a series of stories about him and then wrote, “You hurt me with this one brother 💔💔“. The kind of reactions that can be seen in the whole NFL and especially the NCAA, makes us believe that Khyree was a true gem. Whom we have lost too soon. Rest in peace.