Former UNC standout Widefield High Vincent Jackson found dead in a Florida hotel room

DENVER – Former University of Northern Colorado and Widefield High School receiver Vincent Jackson was found dead at a hotel in Brandon, Florida, on Monday, according to local officials.

Hillsborough County sheriff’s office said Jackson, 38, who lived in South Tampa, stayed at the Homewood Suites in Brandon on January 11. Jackson’s family members reported his disappearance on February 10 at the sheriff’s office, then filed a formal report the next day, the sheriff’s office said.

On February 12, deputies met him at Homewood Suites, assessed his welfare and canceled the missing person’s case, officials said.

But the former Pro Bowl receiver was found dead by a housekeeper at around 11:30 am on Monday in his hotel room, the sheriff’s office said.

There were no apparent signs of trauma to Jackson’s body, the sheriff’s office said, and the county coroner’s office will determine the cause of death.

Jackson was an American football player at all conferences at Widefield High School in Colorado Springs and also played basketball. He attended the University of Northern Colorado on a partial scholarship and was an All-America as a freshman punt returner. He also played basketball for Bears.

CHRIS DONAHUE / AP

Jackson then became the university record holder for receptions and receiving yards for both a game and a season, receiving touchdowns and kick and punt return yards.

Reed Doughty, a former UNC teammate and Vincent Jackson’s roommate, told Troy Renck of Denver7 that “he is deeply saddened” by the death of a friend.

They were introduced to the NoCo Hall of Fame in 2011. Jackson waited a year to enter the Hall before he could enter with Doughty. “It was a special night.” They decided to go to UNC together after meeting on a recruiting trip to the Colorado School of Mines.

He was picked in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers, where he had two seasons in the Pro Bowl and three seasons in which he exceeded 1,000 receiving yards. He was the highest choice ever for a UNC football player.

Jackson signed a five-year, $ 55 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2012, and ended that year with career records in receptions and reception yards and won another selection in the Pro Bowl. He would play another four years with the Bucs before hurting his knee in 2016 and retiring in 2018.

Buccaneers owner Bryan Glazer said the team was saddened to hear the news and praised his work off the field, which earned him several nods like the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award nominee.

“We are shocked and saddened to hear the terrible news about the loss of Vincent Jackson. During his five seasons with our franchise, Vincent was a consummate professional who was very proud of his performance on and off the football field. Vincent was a dedicated father, husband, businessman and philanthropist who had a profound impact on our community through his tireless advocacy for military families, supported by the Jackson in Action 83 Foundation. He was selected three times in the Pro Bowl for his achievements in the field, but his greatest achievement as a privateer was the four consecutive nominations he received as our Walter Payton Man of the Year. Our deepest condolences go to his wife, Lindsey, and all Jackson family. “

“My heart aches for the many loved ones that Vincent Jackson left behind, from his wife and children to the nation of the Buccaneers who adored him,” Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement.

“Mr. Jackson was a dedicated man who put his family and community above everything else. Football aside, he touched countless lives through his Jackson In Action 83 Foundation. We share a passion for supporting military families and, three years ago, Jackson was evenly named an honorary deputy by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office to acknowledge his dedication to the community, “added Chronister.” He will be sorely missed not only for football fans across the country, but also for people here in Hillsborough County, who reaped the benefits of their generous contributions. ”

“Rest in peace for one of the greatest bears of all time,” tweeted the University of Northern Colorado football team.

This is news in development and will be updated.