Vincent Jackson, who played 12 years in the NFL as a wide receiver with the San Diego Chargers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has died at 38. Jackson was found dead at a hotel in Brandon, Fl, on Monday, days after his family reported him as missing.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office released a statement:
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers player Vincent Jackson. Jackson, 38, was found deceased on Monday, February 15, 2021, at the Homewood Suites located at 10240 Palm River Road in Brandon, Florida.
According to hotel staff, Jackson, who is a South Tampa resident, checked into the hotel on January 11, 2021, and had been staying in a room since that date.
On February 10, members of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office spoke with Jackson’s family members who called to report that he was missing. A formal report was filed on February 11. The following day, February 12, HCSO located Jackson at the Homewood Suites and spoke with him. After assessing Jackson’s well-being, the missing persons case was canceled.
Jackson was located deceased at approximately 11:30 a.m. on February 15 in his hotel room by a housekeeper.
There are no apparent signs of trauma. The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the cause of death, as well as officially identify Jackson’s remains based on dental or DNA records. HCSO has notified Jackson’s next of kin of his passing.
The death is under investigation.
#BREAKING: Former Bucs player Vincent Jackson found dead in Brandon hotel room https://t.co/WyE2dUdUrx
— WFLA NEWS (@WFLA) February 15, 2021
Sheriff Chad Chronister released the following statement:
“My heart aches for the many loved ones Vincent Jackson leaves behind, from his wife and children to the Buccaneers nation that adored him. Mr. Jackson was a devoted man who put his family and community above everything else. Football aside, he touched countless lives through his Jackson In Action 83 Foundation. We shared a passion for supporting military families, and three years ago, Jackson was even made an honorary deputy by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office to recognize his dedication to the community. He will be sorely missed by not only football fans across the country, but also the people here in Hillsborough County who reaped the benefits of his generous contributions.”
Jackson played seven seasons with the Chargers and finished his career with five in Tampa Bay.
Overall, he had 540 catches for 9,040 yards with 57 touchdown receptions.
Jackon was selected in the second round of the 2005 NFL draft by the Chargers. He was signed by Tampa Bay in 2012 where he played until retiring in 2016. Jackson was a three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver.
Vincent Jackson won the Bucs' Man of the Year honor four years in a row from 2013-16. His @JIA83Foundation worked closely with military families and especially military moms. He retired from the NFL after the 2016 season, having spent the last five of his 12 pro seasons in Tampa.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) February 15, 2021
