Vincent Jackson, a former NFL wide receiver, found dead in a hotel room, officials say

Vincent Jackson, a former NFL wide receiver, found dead in a hotel room, officials say

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The 38-year-old man has been staying at the Homewood Suites in Brandon, about 12 miles from Tampa, since January 11, according to a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office press release.

Sheriff’s Office officials said they spoke to Jackson’s family members on February 10, after they called to report that he was missing. A formal report was filed the following day.

Last Friday, officials said they located Jackson at Homewood Suites and spoke to him, according to the press release.

“After assessing Jackson’s well-being, the missing persons case was canceled,” the statement said.

Vincent Jackson of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the New Orleans Saints in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on October 5, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Jackson was found dead at 11:30 am on Monday by a housekeeper. There were no apparent signs of trauma.

The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the cause of death and officially identify Jackson’s remains based on dental or DNA records, according to the press release.

“Mr. Jackson was a dedicated man who put his family and community above everything else,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement on Monday. “Leaving 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 named honorary deputy by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office to recognize your dedication to the community. “

“He will be sorely missed not only for football fans across the country, but also for the people here in Hillsborough County, who have reaped the benefits of his generous contributions.”

Jackson has played 12 seasons in the NFL

Jackson played college football at the University of Northern Colorado, where he was a prominent player, according to the school.
He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in 2005, according to the NFL. He ended up playing 12 seasons in the league, spending the first seven with the Chargers and the last five with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Vincent Jackson of the San Diego Chargers appears on the pitch after his reception against the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium on November 27, 2011 in San Diego, California.
The Chargers, now based in Los Angeles, released a statement Monday saying the team was “shocked and deeply saddened” by the news of Jackson’s death.

“Vincent was a fan favorite not only for his Pro Browl game, but also for the impact he had on the community,” the statement said. “The work he did on behalf of military families through his foundation in the years since his retirement has been an inspiration for all of us.”

The Buccaneers, who recently won the Super Bowl, said in a statement that Jackson was “a consummate professional” during his five years with the team.

“Vincent was a dedicated father, husband, businessman and philanthropist who had a profound impact on our community through his tireless advocacy by military families, supported by the Jackson in Action 83 Foundation,” says the statement.

Jackson was selected three times in the Pro Bowl and was nominated four times for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, which recognizes players who have had a positive impact on their community, according to the Buccaneers.

CNN’s Jill Martin contributed to this report.

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