Patriots Stars Pay Tribute Following Death Of Vikings Rookie

Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson and two former college football players were killed in a car crash overnight, according to Maryland State Police, per ESPN. Jackson was 24 years old.

Jackson, who was drafted in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, was a passenger in a car that was struck by another who was traveling at a high rate of speed, a Maryland State Police news release read, per ESPN’s Kevin Seifert. Investigators believe alcohol may be a factor. Charges are pending as the investigation continues.

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah sent statements after Jackson’s tragic death. New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez was teammates with Jackson in Oregon and sent out his own tribute.

“You did exactly what you told me you was gon do. Get your rest,” Gonzalez wrote in an Instagram story.

Patriots rookie wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk played against Jackson while at the University of Washington and also sent out a tribute.

“Damn brudda,” Polk wrote in an Instagram story.

The rookie wideout also posted an image of him lining up opposite of Jackson while the pair were playing in the Pac-12.

Multiple messages on social media, including from Oregon head coach Dan Lanning, highlighted his character off the field.