Former NFL wide receiver Vincent Jackson was found dead at the age of 38 in a hotel room on Monday in Florida. According to the release from authorities, Jackson checked into the Homewood Suites in Brandon, Florida on Jan. 11 and had been staying there since that date. A housekeeper located the former NFL player on Monday at approximately 11:30 a.m. The cause of death will be determined in the coming days following an examination by the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office, but the Sheriff’s Office said no signs of trauma were immediately found on Jackson.
Jackson spent seven seasons with the San Diego Chargers. He caught 272 passes for 4,754 yards and 37 touchdowns during his time with the team and made two Pro Bowls. Following his time with the Chargers, Jackson signed a five-year deal with the Buccaneers in 2012., remaining with the team until the end of the 2016 season, catching 268 passes for 4,326 yards and 20 touchdowns. He ended the year on Injured Reserve and later announced his retirement in 2018.
Jackson also dedicated much of his time off the field helping military families. While he did not serve in the military, Jackson’s parents were both members of the U.S. Army and it was one of the reasons he started JacksonInAction83, a foundation to help military families and their children.
Editorial credit: Jason Sponseller / Shutterstock.com