Vincent Jackson, who spent twelve years playing in the NFL and was known for going above and beyond in helping military families off the field, was found dead in a hotel room in Florida on Monday. He was 38 years-old.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement that Jackson’s body was found at Homewood Suites in Brandon, and while a cause of death has yet to be determined, police found no signs of trauma on him. An investigation into Jackson’s death is ongoing at this time.
Family members of Jackson, who played for the San Diego Chargers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during his career in the NFL, reported him missing on February 11. Police tracked him down at his hotel the next day and spoke to him, and the missing person report was subsequently cancelled. Jackson, who lived in South Tampa, had been staying at the hotel since January 11.
“My heart aches for the many loved ones Vincent Jackson leaves behind, from his wife and children to the Buccaneers nation that adored him,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “Mr. Jackson was a devoted man who put his family and community above everything else. Football aside, he touched countless lives through his Jackson In Action 83 Foundation.”
“We shared a passion for supporting military families, and three years ago, Jackson was even made an honorary deputy by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office to recognize his dedication to the community,” Chronister added. “He will be sorely missed by not only football fans across the country, but also the people here in Hillsborough County who reaped the benefits of his generous contributions.”
Though Jackson never served in the military himself, his parents were both veterans of the United States Army, and this led him to launch JacksonInAction83, a foundation to help military families and their children.
“We are all mourning the loss of our beloved Vincent,” the foundation said in a statement posted to Facebook after Jackson’s death.
Tributes have been pouring in for Jackson since news of his death broke.
“Man… just got home out of the blizzard. Vincent Jackson passed away??” radio host Pat McAfee wrote on Twitter. “He was a damn good football player.. I’m absolutely bummed for everybody involved. Gone way too soon. Rest easy boss man.”
“I have no words. I’m in complete shock,” ESPN reporter Jenna Laine added in a tweet. “I needed to pull over while driving. This is crushing in every possible way. Vincent Jackson was a cherished member of the Buccaneers and our community.”
This piece originally appeared in UpliftingToday.com and is used by permission.
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