Not all incidents are conducive to growth. But it is at these moments that an athlete is tested. Khyree Jackson had a rough life. But, that did not deter the Maryland-born from shying away from football. Though circumstances forced him to choose between his love for his home and his passion for football, Jackson in the end gave way to what he wanted most. And how?

Jackson was drafted as the fourth-round pick in this year’s NFL draft for the Minnesota Vikings. Although he was yet to appear in a game for them, with his exceptional skills he could have climbed the ladder as the season went by. But all hope was lost for his fans on Saturday as the news of his death was tweeted by an NFL X handle JPA Football. Jackson had died in a car crash overnight. Expressing grief over the same was WNBA rookie Angel Reese.

Angel Reese mourns Khyree Jackson’s untimely demise

The NFL world was shaken to the core once the news broke out. “Horrible News: #Vikings 2024 4th round pick CB Khyree Jackson has passed away in a car accident, his agent and former high school coach confirmed. Absolutely devastating,” read the tweet. Not only the NFL world but Angel Reese even came forward to pay respect to the departed. The Maryland-born in her tribute tweeted an emotional emoji with a hands joining sign on X for her friend who was also born in the same state.

Jackson, 24, was a victim of the crash along with his two former high school football players – Isaiah Hazel and Anthony Lytton Jr. – who as per reports were struck by an Infiniti Q50 and another car. The accident took place at 3:14 a.m. Saturday in Prince George’s County. 

Hazel was behind the wheels of the Dodge Charger whereas Jackson was in the passenger seat. They had boarded a Dodge Charger which hit multiple trees after colliding with a Q50 when trying to change lanes at high speed along with another vehicle. Hazel and Jackson died immediately whereas their friend Lytton Jr. made it to the hospital where he was pronounced dead by the staff. Hazel was 23 and had played at Maryland and Charlotte whereas Lytton was 24 and was an athlete for Penn State and Florida State. They had played together with Jackson in high school. 

As per the latest reports, the police department speculates that alcohol might have had a role to play. Meanwhile, the driver of the Q50 was safe with her two passengers. And, the driver of the third vehicle was also safe.

However, the potential that the youngster carried was cut short by an untimely demise since he was made for something bigger.

Khryee Jackson had a heart of steel as he followed what he loved

At the age of 17, he got an opportunity to ply his trade for the Arizona Western College, Jackson moved out of his house only to become homesick and return to Maryland. Embarrassed by his decision, Jackson never told his friends that he had dropped out. Instead, he took a job behind the deli counter at Harris Teeter. 

He would spend a part of his time in his new job and partly by playing NBA 2K. But as they say- once an athlete, always an athlete. Football once again called him and he answered with nothing but love and compassion. He started attending Fort Scott Community College in Kansas and was back due to his love for the sport. There he got a chance to groom himself from a wide receiver to a cornerback, which also gave him hopes of a successful football career. But those ended too soon. 

Therefore, whenever the world thinks of the NFL, they will remember Jackson, who was too strong to be ignored, too passionate to let life dictate him, and too loved to let another star be a fan favorite. He will continue to forever dwell in the memories of those alive.

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