Some impressive news hit the NFL circuit on Monday when former Pro Bowl receiver Vincent Jackson was found dead in a Florida hotel room. Jackson, who spent 12 seasons in the NFL playing for the San Diego Chargers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was only 38.
The police are investigating Jackson’s death, but say there are no apparent signs of trauma.
Jackson’s last NFL season came with the Buccaneers in 2016 and he was one of the league’s biggest wide receivers throughout his career. The three-time Pro Bowler has managed 540 receptions for 9,080 yards and 57 touchdowns throughout his career, finishing more than 1,000 yards in six different seasons.
After the worrying news was released on Monday, several current players and former NFL players paid tribute to Jackson through social media – including former teammates Mike Evans, who shared a reception room with Jackson in Tampa Bay, and Shawne Merriman, who was drafted into the Chargers alongside Jackson in 2005.
The tributes and condolences continued to roll throughout the day.
The Buccaneers and Chargers also released statements addressing Jackson’s death.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Vincent Jackson’s sudden death,” the Chargers said in a statement. “Vincent was a fan favorite not only for his Pro Bowl game, but also for the impact he had on the community. The work he did on behalf of military families through his foundation in the years since his retirement was an inspiration for all of us. We just can’t believe he’s gone, and our hearts are with his wife, Lindsey, their children, their parents, ex-teammates and everyone whose lives were touched because they met Vincent. “
“We are shocked and saddened to hear the terrible news about Vincent Jackson’s passing,” he wrote Corsair co-owner Bryan Glazer. “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 uncompromising defense of military families, supported by the Jackson Foundation in Action 83. He was selected three times in the Pro Bowl for his achievements on the field, but his greatest achievements as Buccaneer were the four consecutive nominations he received as our Walter Payton Man of the Year. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife, Lindsey, and the entire Jackson family. “