Posted on Jul 22
Minnesota Vikings honor late draft pick Khyree Jackson with heartfelt tribute
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN -- In a heartfelt gesture, the Minnesota Vikings have announced plans to honor Khyree Jackson, their fourth-round draft choice who tragically lost his life in a car accident. The team is taking several steps to pay tribute to Jackson's memory and support his family during this difficult time. The Vikings' actions demonstrate their commitment to standing by their players and fostering a sense of unity within the organization.
The Minnesota Vikings will contribute $20,000 towards the funeral expenses of Khyree Jackson and will attend the joint funeral of Jackson and his high school teammate, Isaiah Hazel. This compassionate gesture shows the team's solidarity with both families as they navigate through this heartbreaking loss.
Additionally, the Vikings have made the decision to pay Jackson's signing bonus of $827,148 to his estate, recognizing his promising potential and ensuring that his family receives the financial support he would have earned. Furthermore, the team will refrain from assigning Jackson's No. 31 jersey to another player for the upcoming season, preserving his memory and honoring his legacy.
To commemorate Khyree Jackson's memory, the Vikings will distribute helmet decals to players and pins to staff members. These small but meaningful tokens will serve as a constant reminder of Jackson's spirit and his impact on the team. The practice fields will also bear honorary stencils, symbolizing the lasting imprint that Jackson has left on the organization.
Several key members of the Minnesota Vikings' leadership will attend the funeral to pay their respects. General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, coach Kevin O'Connell, defensive coordinator Brian Flores, special teams coordinator Matt Daniels, and passing game coordinator/defensive backs coach Daronte Jones will all be present to support the grieving families and honor Jackson's memory.
In other team news, tight end T.J. Hockenson will start training camp on the physically unable to perform list due to a knee injury. The Vikings' medical staff will closely monitor his progress and determine his return to the field based on his recovery.
However, the team also faced disappointment as wide receiver Jordan Addison was cited for suspicion of driving under the influence. The Vikings expressed their disappointment in Addison's actions, emphasizing their commitment to holding players accountable for their behavior both on and off the field. They remain hopeful that Addison will learn from this incident and make better choices in the future.
Speaking about Khyree Jackson, coach Kevin O'Connell highlighted his dedication and ambition. Jackson had shown immense promise during the spring, displaying a laser focus on his goals and a determination to make a significant impact on the team. The Vikings mourn the loss of a talented young player with a bright future ahead of him.
General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah reflected on the situation, recognizing that life does not always go as planned. He emphasized that individuals reap what they sow, underscoring the importance of putting in the effort to achieve success both on and off the field.
Adofo-Mensah also expressed disappointment in Jordan Addison's actions but remains committed to supporting him in becoming the best version of himself. Within the organization, the focus is on helping Addison grow and succeed, both as an athlete and as an individual.
The Minnesota Vikings' tribute to Khyree Jackson demonstrates their compassion, unity, and commitment to their players. As the team navigates through this challenging time, they remain determined to honor Jackson's memory and support his loved ones.