Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson, along with two others, tragically lost their lives in a car accident on Saturday morning in Prince George’s County, Maryland, as reported by Maryland State Police. Jackson, aged 24, was the front passenger in a Dodge Charger involved in a three-car collision in Upper Marlboro. Isaiah Hazel, 23, and Anthony Lytton Jr., 24, also lost their lives in the incident. All three were former high school football teammates at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High in Maryland.
The Vikings expressed profound sadness in a statement, acknowledging Jackson’s passing and offering support to his family. They have informed team members and provided counseling to those needing emotional support during this difficult time. The team extended their condolences to Jackson’s family, friends, teammates, coaches, and all affected by the tragic accident.
According to police reports, the Charger, carrying all three deceased, was struck by a silver Infiniti traveling northbound on Route 4/Pennsylvania Avenue. The preliminary investigation suggests that the Infiniti, driven by Cori Clingman, attempted a high-speed lane change, first colliding with the Charger and then with a Chevrolet Impala. Subsequently, the Charger veered off the road, striking several tree stumps before coming to a stop.
Hazel, who was driving the Charger, was pronounced dead at the scene, while Lytton Jr., seated in the rear, was transported to the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Authorities are investigating whether alcohol played a role in the crash. The NFL also expressed condolences, mourning the loss of Jackson and offering sympathies to his family and all affected by the tragic event.
Jackson was selected by the Vikings in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft after playing two years at the University of Alabama and completing his collegiate career at the University of Oregon in 2023.
Minnesota Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson tragically passed away in a car accident early Saturday morning in Maryland.
A native of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Jackson, 24, previously played football for the University of Alabama and the University of Oregon before being drafted by the Vikings in April as the 108th overall pick in the fourth round.
“Our thoughts are with Khyree’s family, friends, teammates, and coaches, as well as all those affected by this heartbreaking accident,” the Vikings stated.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell expressed profound sadness over Jackson’s death, highlighting Jackson’s promising potential both on the field and as a person dedicated to his family and community.
The accident occurred on Route 4 in Upper Marlboro, involving three vehicles. Maryland state police reported that a silver Infiniti, allegedly changing lanes at high speed, collided with Jackson’s vehicle and a Chevrolet Impala. Tragically, the crash also claimed the lives of Jackson’s companions, Anthony Lytton, 24, and Isaiah Hazel, 23, who were also in his car. No injuries were reported among the occupants of the other vehicles.
Authorities are investigating the possibility of alcohol playing a role in the incident.
General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah expressed deep sorrow over Jackson’s loss, emphasizing his resilience and the impact he intended to make, both professionally and personally.
The Minnesota Vikings have extended their support to Jackson’s family and are providing counseling and emotional assistance to affected players.
Physical Attributes:
- Height: 6’4″
- Weight: 194 lbs
- Hand: 9¼”
- Arm: 32¾”
- Wingspan: 78″
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.5 seconds
- Vertical: 36.5″
- Broad Jump: 11’1″
Positives:
- Demonstrates exceptional length and size advantageous for a cornerback, effectively utilizing long arms in coverage.
- Displays fluid movement despite his size, capable of sinking hips and transitioning smoothly with focus on low pad level.
- Exhibits strong ball-tracking skills and impressive body control, consistently locating and high-pointing the ball.
- Competitive at contested catches, timing and body control enable effective disruption of receiver plays.
- Effective wrap tackler who engages confidently in defensive plays.
Negatives:
- Tendency to be overly physical downfield, occasionally resorting to grabbing and jersey-pulling, risking positional disadvantage.
- Struggles with tightness in press coverage at the line, lacking agility in directional changes and occasionally losing initial positioning.
- Shows limitations in speed variation, particularly in matching faster receivers downfield and recovering from positional setbacks.
2023 Statistics:
- 12 Games Played
- 34 Total Tackles
- 5.0 Tackles for Loss
- 2.0 Sacks
- 3 Interceptions
- 7 Passes Defended
Notes:
- Born on August 11, 1999.
- 4-star Junior College recruit in the 2021 class, ranked by 247Sports.
- Attended Fort Scott Junior College in 2019.
- Recognized as ESPN’s No. 1 Junior College Prospect in 2019.
- Transferred to the University of Alabama in 2021.
- Joined the University of Oregon in 2023.
Overall Evaluation: Khyree Jackson’s collegiate journey, spanning multiple institutions, showcases his development as a versatile cornerback. Standing at an impressive 6’4″ and 194 lbs, he excels primarily in press man coverage, employing mirroring techniques and maintaining physicality throughout plays.
While Jackson demonstrates proficiency in various coverages, his performance against agile opponents highlights areas for improvement, particularly in recovery speed and maintaining composure under pressure. His ability to consistently lower pad level enhances defensive effectiveness, contributing to his overall impact on the field.
Although not a dominant force in run defense, Jackson effectively fulfills positional duties and demonstrates potential for growth at the professional level. His draft grade of 7.5 positions him as a prospective impact player, potentially selected in the second round.
Draft Grade: 7.5 (Potential Impact Player — 2nd Round) Overall Rank: 41 Position Rank: CB6
