Khyree Jackson’s death occurred on July 6, 2024, in a traffic collision in Prince George’s County, Maryland. The incident took place at approximately 3:14 a.m. (ET) on Maryland Route 4. Jackson was a front passenger in a Dodge Charger heading northbound when it was struck by an Infiniti Q50, driven by Cori Clingman, a 24-year-old woman from Upper Marlboro. Reports indicate that Clingman was changing lanes at a high speed when the collision occurred.
Tragically, Khyree Jackson was pronounced dead at the scene. In addition to Jackson, two of his high school football teammates were also killed in the same collision. The suddenness and devastating nature of the accident left many in disbelief, particularly given Jackson’s burgeoning professional career. A jury trial related to the incident is scheduled for June 2025.
Who Was Khyree Jackson? A Life of Promise
Khyree Anthony Jackson was born on August 11, 1999, in Washington, D.C., to Raymond and Ebbony Jackson. From a young age, Khyree exhibited a passion for sports. He began with track and field at the age of five and transitioned to flag football two years later, laying the groundwork for what would become a remarkable football journey.
His early life saw him attend Springbrook High School in White Oak, Maryland, before transferring to Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School in Upper Marlboro. It was at Wise High School that Jackson truly began to showcase his football prowess, winning a state championship in 2018.
A Winding Road to College Football Stardom
Khyree Jackson’s path to collegiate success was not always a straightforward one, a testament to his resilience and dedication.
Junior College Stints and a Brief Hiatus
After high school, Jackson’s college football career began at Fort Scott Community College in Kansas in 2019. He spent one season there before a temporary setback where he quit football after dropping out of Arizona Western College. However, his passion for the game ultimately called him back.
He returned to football the following year, making a pivotal transition from wide receiver to cornerback during his time at Fort Scott. This shift would prove to be a crucial decision, as his skills at cornerback would eventually lead him to the highest levels of the sport. He then enrolled at East Mississippi Community College in 2020, though that season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, he was highly regarded, holding the No. 1 spot in the ESPN JC50 and being deemed the No. 1 junior college cornerback.
The Alabama Crimson Tide Chapter
Jackson’s talent caught the eye of powerhouse programs, and he committed to the University of Alabama, a move that placed him squarely in the national spotlight. He played for the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
During his time at Alabama, Jackson appeared in 21 games, accumulating 14 total tackles and two pass deflections. He made his first career start for the Crimson Tide in the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship against Georgia, stepping up due to injuries to key players. In that game, he recorded two tackles and one pass deflection. While he entered the 2022 season as a co-starter, he ultimately filled a reserve role.
Flourishing with the Oregon Ducks
Seeking a new challenge and a larger role, Jackson entered the undergraduate NCAA transfer portal in December 2022. He ultimately committed to the Oregon Ducks, a decision influenced by his relationship with head coach Dan Lanning. His single season with the Ducks in 2023 proved to be his most impactful collegiate year.
At Oregon, Jackson started all 12 games he played, opting out of the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl. He truly shined, leading the Ducks with three interceptions (tied for second-most in the Pac-12) and 10 passes defensed. He also recorded 34 total tackles, including five for loss and 2.0 sacks. His outstanding performance earned him First Team All-Pac-12 honors from both coaches and the Associated Press. Pro Football Focus awarded him an impressive 80.5 overall grade, with particularly high marks for pass-rush, tackling, and run-defense.
The NFL Dream: Minnesota Vikings
Khyree Jackson’s stellar college career made him a highly sought-after prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. He was one of seven Oregon football players invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, where he demonstrated his athleticism and potential. Despite some questions about his inconsistent technique, scouts praised his size and physicality.
On April 27, 2024, Khyree Jackson’s lifelong dream came true when the Minnesota Vikings selected him in the fourth round with the 108th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. He was Minnesota’s fifth pick out of Oregon all-time and the highest-drafted player from Oregon since 2003. His selection represented the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and overcoming obstacles. He was poised to begin his professional career, with many anticipating his impact on the Vikings’ defense.
Mourning a Promising Talent: Tributes and Remembrance
The news of Khyree Jackson’s death sent a wave of sorrow throughout the NFL, college football, and his home community. Tributes poured in from former coaches, teammates, and organizations, all expressing their profound sadness at the loss of such a promising young man.
The Minnesota Vikings, deeply affected by the loss of their rookie cornerback, honored Jackson in numerous ways. Throughout the 2024 season, his number (31) and locker at the TCO Performance Center remained unused, a poignant symbol of his presence. The team also wore helmet decals with the initials “KJ,” and coaches and staff sported pins with the same design, ensuring Khyree’s memory was carried with them on and off the field. Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell attended Jackson’s funeral and spoke emotionally about his incredible work ethic and the team’s love for him.
The University of Oregon also paid tribute to Jackson, wearing helmet decals of two ducks flying during their 2024 campaign in honor of both Jackson and former tight end Spencer Webb, who passed away in 2022. These gestures underscored the impact Jackson had on his collegiate programs and the wider football community.
Khyree Jackson’s Legacy: “God Didn’t Give Me These Skills to Go to Waste”
Beyond his impressive athletic achievements, Khyree Jackson left behind a powerful personal legacy characterized by perseverance, humility, and a strong belief in using one’s talents for good. His motto, “God didn’t give me these skills to go to waste,” encapsulates his approach to life and his dedication to maximizing his potential.
In a deeply meaningful effort to honor their son’s memory and continue his positive influence, Khyree’s parents, Ebbony and Raymond Jackson, officially launched the Khyree Jackson Foundation in April 2025, just nine months after his passing. The foundation aims to inspire the next generation of young athletes and students to use their talents to positively influence their communities.
The Khyree Jackson Foundation will achieve its mission through various initiatives, including:
Football Camps: Providing opportunities for youth to engage in the sport Jackson loved, fostering skill development and teamwork.
Scholarships: Supporting young students and athletes in their educational and athletic pursuits, removing financial barriers.
Community Outreach: Engaging with underserved communities to promote positive development and provide resources.
Khyree’s Locker of Hope: A core initiative of the foundation, this is a traveling memorial locker filled with football gear, generously provided by SCHEELS. The locker will be taken to underserved neighborhoods in Maryland, offering young people access to equipment and inspiring them through Khyree’s story.
During the launch of the foundation, eight young members of a local Boys & Girls Club joined the Jacksons at the Vikings facility and were gifted football gear from “Khyree’s Locker of Hope,” marking a powerful moment in carrying forward his legacy. The Minnesota Vikings organization has also committed a $10,000 donation to the foundation, further demonstrating their support for Khyree’s family and his enduring impact.
FAQs
Who was Khyree Jackson?
Khyree Jackson was a 24-year-old professional football player drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He played college football at Alabama and the University of Oregon, where he earned First-Team All-Pac-12 honors in 2023. Jackson was known for his resilience, having overcome personal challenges to achieve his dream of playing in the NFL.
What were the circumstances of the car crash?
On July 6, 2024, around 3:14 a.m., Jackson was a passenger in a Dodge Charger traveling on Route 4 in Prince George’s County, Maryland. The vehicle was struck by a silver Infiniti Q50, driven by 23-year-old Cori Clingman, who was allegedly speeding and attempting to change lanes. The impact caused the Charger to veer off the road and collide with multiple tree stumps. Jackson and Hazel were pronounced dead at the scene, while Lytton died later at the hospital.
Who was responsible for the crash?
Cori Clingman, the driver of the Infiniti Q50, was identified as the individual responsible for the crash. Investigators believe that alcohol was a contributing factor, as Clingman’s blood alcohol content was above the legal limit. She was arrested and charged with 13 counts, including DUI and vehicular manslaughter.
What legal actions have been taken against the driver?
Clingman was indicted by a grand jury on 13 charges related to the crash, including DUI, grossly negligent, and criminally negligent vehicular manslaughter. She faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison if convicted on all counts. As of the latest reports, Clingman remains in custody awaiting trial.
How did the Minnesota Vikings honor Khyree Jackson?
The Minnesota Vikings paid tribute to Jackson throughout the 2024 season. Players wore “KJ” decals on their helmets, and coaches donned pins with his initials. The team also kept Jackson’s locker intact and placed a “KJ” logo on the practice field. Additionally, the Vikings donated $20,000 toward his funeral expenses and paid out his $827,148 signing bonus to his estate.
Were there any memorial services held for Jackson and his teammates?
Yes, a candlelight vigil was held on July 12, 2024, at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School, where Jackson and his teammates had played together. Unfortunately, a shooting occurred in the parking lot after the vigil, resulting in one death and one injury. Jackson’s funeral took place on July 26, 2024, in Glenarden, Maryland, attended by Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, and other team members.
What was Jackson’s journey to the NFL like?
Jackson’s path to the NFL was unconventional. After high school, he briefly left football and worked at Chipotle and a grocery store. He returned to the sport, playing at Fort Scott Community College, then transferring to Alabama and later to Oregon. His perseverance and talent led to his selection by the Vikings in the 2024 NFL Draft.
What impact did Jackson have on his team and community?
Jackson was known for his infectious energy, confidence, and dedication. He quickly became a beloved figure among teammates and coaches. His untimely death left a significant void in the Vikings organization and the broader football community. Coach Kevin O’Connell described him as someone with a “laser focus” and a desire to be the best person he could be.
What is the current status of the legal proceedings?
As of the latest updates, Clingman remains in custody, and her trial is scheduled for June 2025. The legal process is ongoing, with the community seeking justice for the tragic loss of three young lives.
How has the football community responded to Jackson’s death?
The football community has expressed profound sorrow over Jackson’s passing. Tributes poured in from former coaches, teammates, and fans, highlighting his talent and character. The NFL and various college programs acknowledged his contributions and mourned the loss of a promising athlete.
To conclude
Khyree Jackson’s life and career, though tragically cut short, left an indelible mark on those who knew him. His journey from adversity to the NFL serves as an inspiration, and his memory continues to be honored by the Minnesota Vikings and the broader football community.
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