Ahead of what should be an emotional NFL playoff matchup for all involved, the Minnesota Vikings are carrying the memory of Khyree Jackson with them into Monday night’s game against the Los Angeles Rams.
The former Oregon Ducks defensive back and rookie with the Vikings, along with two of his high school teammates, died in an auto accident in July. Jackson was 24 years old, a fourth round pick by Minnesota in the 2024 NFL Draft, and just over two weeks from reporting to Vikings training camp.
“That was a tough loss, definitely, early,” Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores told reporters last week. “That was one of those things that kind of brought the group together early. In a short period of time, he had a major impact on a lot of people. We talked about honoring him. The best way to do that was through a play style that reflected the play style we expected or were going to see from him. Hopefully, we’ve done that. And I think he’s watching us and he’s appreciative of the fact that we’re having a good time and playing that way.”
Oregon honored Jackson with a vigil at Autzen Stadium in the week after his death. He spent one season with the Ducks but left an indelible impact on many in the program, including coach Dan Lanning, who spoke while fighting back tears at the vigil. The Ducks wore helmet stickers during the 2024 season honoring both Jackson and Spencer Webb — who died in 2022.
The No. 7 Oregon Ducks face the Boise State Broncos in a college game at Autzen Stadium in Eugene on Saturday Sept. 7, 2024. Sean Meagher/The Oregonian
“Khyree made that goal and his path was different,” Lanning said at the vigil. “He had trials and tribulations to get there and to make those goals happen and I hope that every one of us can learn from his trials and tribulations to reach his goal and it can help some of us reach those same goals. I know that Khyree’s going to have that impact; I know that people are going to chase their goals because of stories like Khyree’s.”
The Vikings have honored Jackson throughout the season with helmet decals, and also by leaving his locker set up every game with his equipment, including the No. 31 jersey he would have worn. That will continue in the playoffs. There is also a Bible placed in his locker, open to one of Jackson’s favorite passages, Jeremiah 29:11, with James 1:12 bookmarked.
The team paid out Jackson’s nearly $830,000 signing bonus to his estate and an additional $20,000 to cover funeral costs.
On Sunday, the Vikings hope to continue honoring Jackson through their play, and their joy. They will face a Rams team experiencing its own grief, as wildfires devastate the greater Los Angeles area and have forced the game to be moved to Glendale, Arizona. As of Monday morning, 24 people have been killed and thousands of homes, businesses and schools leveled by the fires throughout Los Angeles.
Kickoff between the Vikings and Rams is scheduled for 5 p.m. PT on Monday night, with live broadcasts on ABC, ESPN and ESPN2.
— Ryan Clarke covers the Oregon Ducks and Big Ten Conference. Listen to the Ducks Confidential podcast or subscribe to the Ducks Roundup newsletter.
