The first public remarks made by general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and coach Kevin O’Connell of the Minnesota Vikings since defensive back Khyree Jackson’s death in an automobile accident earlier this month occurred on Monday. In the early hours of July 6, Jackson—a fourth-round choice of the Vikings—and two of his high school classmates perished in a three-car collision in Maryland. Kevin O’Connell, the coach of the Vikings, was on the West Coast when his phone rang.
“Even just picturing receiving that call that morning—as head coaches, it’s the one we all dread beyond all else. O’Connell remarked, “To receive that call and learn that Khyree and two other tragic lives were lost—all young adults gone way too early.” “It breaks your heart. tragic in the end, a life taken way too soon.”
Vikings’ plan to pay tribute to Khyree Jackson The Vikings revealed their plans to pay tribute to Jackson’s life this season on Monday. A large amount of Jackson’s funeral costs are being covered by the ownership group; a service is scheduled for this Friday. Daronte Jones, Matt Daniels, Adofo-Mensah, Brian Flores, and O’Connell will be present for the service on Friday.
Jackson’s signing bonus, which totaled over $827,000, will be given to his estate by the Vikings. This season, coaches will wear a “KJ” pin, players on the Vikings will don “KJ” helmet decals, and his locker at TCO Performance Center—which houses his No. 31—will be empty. At a later time, the team will announce arrangements for a memorial service attended by family, friends, and staff.
What they say O’Connell has frequently become emotional when discussing Jackson. He referred to his passing as a “wake up call” to the fact that nothing is guaranteed. “It’s likely that every athlete in the locker room considered me at some point throughout their grief process. Could it have been me? “I want to convey that I will not take any day, minute, or moment that I spend with you guys for granted,” stated O’Connell.
Adofo-Mensah discussed bringing Jackson to Minnesota and his interactions with him during the pre-draft phase. After quitting football, Jackson worked at a grocery store for two seasons before attending Oregon for the last one. “Khyree had a happy disposition. “His absence is tragic,” Adofo-Mensah remarked.
What comes next The Vikings have stated that players are free to use any tools available to them in order to grieve for Jackson’s passing. The team will hold a memorial service at a later time. “It is my duty to ensure that all of his teammates, his family, and the people who are closest to him understand how much I cared for him and how much we all cared for him, and we will continue to do that going forward,” O’Connell stated.