WATCH: Late Khyree Jackson’s father Raymond delivers emotional speech as Dan Lanning’s Oregon hold a vigil in his honor
Late Khyree Jackson’s father Raymond Jackson spoke about his son at a vigil held by Dan Lanning’s Oregon. He was accompanied by his wife and Jackson's younger brother on the dais as he poured his heart out. The video of his address at the Autzen Stadium has gone viral on social media.
Jackson played a part of his college football career under Lanning for the Ducks, before going to the NFL. He was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2024 NFL Draft in April. But his life was tragically cut short in a car accident earlier this month in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
Here is the video of Khyree Jackson's father Raymond Jackson speaking about his son at the vigil held by the Oregon Ducks.
“Khyree would call myself and his mom before every game. Coach Lanning, I don't know if it was legal to call in the locker room right before the game. He said he needed that to calm his nerves,” he told the gathering.
Jackson also thanked everyone gathered at the vigil for the support that the family has gotten in the aftermath of the tragedy. He also revealed that his son knew instantly that he wanted to be a Duck when he visited the facility before joining the team from the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Khyree Jackson started his college career with the Fort Scott Greyhounds in 2019 before joining the Crimson Tide in 2021. The Ducks became his last college stop in 2023, playing a season in Eugene before turning pro earlier this year.
Khyree Jackson's tragic car accident
Khyree Jackson was in Upper Marlboro in the early hours of July 6 with a couple of his high school teammates. They were traveling in a car together when another car changed lanes at high speed, hitting two vehicles including the one Jackson and his friends were traveling in. He was killed along with both his friends in the accident.
The Minnesota Vikings released a statement on the tragic passing of their rookie player, saying that they were offering support to his family.
They also offered counseling to all the Vikings players and coaching staff. Head coach Kevin O’Connell also released a statement saying that he was absolutely crushed by the news.