A heartfelt gesture that keeps Khyree's spirit alive
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones has found a personal way to honor the memory of his late teammate, Khyree Jackson, who tragically lost his life in a car accident at the age of 24 this past July.
Speaking with the Sunday Night Football team after the Vikings’ win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Nov. 3, Jones, 29, shared his weekly ritual: he places flowers in Jackson’s locker before each game, paying tribute to the young rookie who passed away too soon.
Jackson, who hadn’t yet made his NFL debut, was involved in a fatal crash on July 6 when, according to Maryland State Police, a driver “attempted to change lanes while driving at a high rate of speed,” leading to a tragic multi-fatal accident.
Reflecting on the game day, Jones explained he took a special moment in Jackson’s honor before the Vikings’ win. “I just had a moment with him, told him tonight’s for him,” he told the SNF hosts.
Jones also described an emotional encounter with Jackson’s family before kickoff. “And then when I got here, warming up, I turn and see his parents,” Jones added.
“His parents were here, and I shared that story with them.” Originally drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2017, Jones expressed a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to keep playing.
“It just gave me a moment of gratitude. Just how thankful I am to be able to play this game, the game that I love.”
In honor of Jackson, the Vikings committed to preserving his memory throughout the season. The team decided not to use Jackson’s locker or his jersey number, 31, during the current season.
Players are also wearing helmet decals featuring Jackson’s initials, “KJ,” while team staff sport commemorative pins. According to Sports Illustrated and the Associated Press, a special tribute stencil has been placed on the Vikings’ practice fields to mark Jackson’s legacy.
To further support Jackson’s family, the team will pay out the remaining $827,000 of his signing bonus to his estate, along with a $20,000 contribution toward his funeral expenses.
Tragically, the accident that took Jackson’s life also claimed the lives of two other former teammates from Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School: Isaiah Hazel, 23, who was driving, and Anthony Lytton, Jr., 24, who sat in the back seat.
Jackson, seated in the passenger seat, was remembered by family, friends, and teammates alike for his promising future and unbreakable spirit.
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