Khyree Jackson Remembered by Vikings Coach Kevin O’Connell During Emotional Tribute: 'He Made an Impact'

The life and football career of Minnesota Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson was remembered during a funeral for the late cornerback who died at 24 years old in a fatal car crash earlier this month.

Jackson's family held a joint funeral on July 26 for the athlete and high school friend Isaiah Hazel, both of who were killed alongside one other during a three-car accident in Maryland on July 6.

The service at First Baptist Church of Glenarden International in Upper Marlboro, Md. was attended by Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, defensive coordinator Brian Flores, special teams coordinator Matt Daniels and defensive backs coach Daronte Jones, all whom the Associated Press confirmed were planning to appear in-person on Friday.

Additionally, former and current teammates also joined the Vikings staff as O'Connell spoke on behalf of the franchise and paid tribute to their late player and teammate.

After offering the Minnesota Vikings condolences, O'Connell, 39, gave an emotional speech as he reflected on his time with Jackson, from first drafting him to the team to getting to know him on the field as they began preparing for the 2024 NFL season. 

"I only really knew him through the draft process — and we were lucky to draft him," the head coach said. "He knew who he was and what he was all about."

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O'Connell also reflected on how special of a player Jackson was, saying, "We all quickly realized that Khyree was a special teammate… He was committed to working hard for something that was bigger than himself." 

Recalling how Jackson faced a shoulder injury, O'Connell noted that the player chose his team over his own pain. "I have to be out there with my brothers. I would rather do whatever I have to do to be out there with my [team]," the coach remembered Jackson telling him. 

Later, during his tribute, O'Connell shared how the Vikings plan to honor the cornerback — from on the field to inside the locker room. "We will honor Khyree all season long," he said, explaining that "when you tune in to watch Minnesota Viking games, you will be able to visually remember Khyree each Sunday."

Bringing his speech to a close, O'Connell said, "He made an impact." The coach added, "Thank you, Khyree, for being everything that we hoped for when we drafted you… There was just something about you that drew us closer and closer… We promise that you will be with us every step of the way [this season]."

On July 22, the Vikings announced that Jackson’s locker and jersey number (31) would go unused during the upcoming NFL season. The team also said would honor their late teammate by wearing helmet decals with Jackson’s initials, "KJ," and his number, Sports Illustrated and the Associated Press reported. 

In addition to the team's gestures, the Minnesota franchise also pledged to pay out the remainder of Jackson’s $827,000 signing bonus to his estate along with donating $20,000 to funeral expenses, the outlets reported. 

The cornerback was the 108th pick during this year's NFL draft, being selected by the Minnesota Vikings after a stellar year at the University of Oregon where he transferred after his stint at Alabama. 

Jackson along with Hazel, 23, and another high school teammate, Anthony Lytton, Jr., 24, were killed after another vehicle attempted to change lanes at a high speed on a Maryland highway, the police said.

At the time, investigators said they believe alcohol may have been a "contributing circumstance" in the "triple fatal car crash."

Following the news of Jackson's death, Adofo-Mensah said in a statement that he was “heartbroken by the loss of Khyree.”

“As we got to know him throughout the pre-draft process, it was clear the goals Khyree wanted to accomplish both professionally and personally./ His story was one of resilience. He was taking steps to become the best version of himself not just for him, but for those who cared about and looked up to him."

The general manager added, "Khyree's personality captured every room he was in. I'm devastated that his life and everything he had in front of him has been cut short.”