Christian Gonzalez pays tribute to Khyree Jackson’s death

Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez, who met Jackson as a colleague at the University of Oregon, shared a photo of Jackson from 2023.

“You did exactly what you promised me you would do,” Gonzalez wrote. “Rest.”

Gonzalez said he was heartbroken.

Gonzalez was a standout player for the Ducks in 2022, then Jackson came along and essentially took over his role in 2023 when Gonzalez was with the Patriots.

“I’m definitely trying to be myself, but also step into his role as a lockdown corner,” Jackson told reporters at the time. “I don’t really have that side of the field that you really have to worry about. I’m definitely looking forward to that, but at the same time I want to bring my own swag to the team.”

Jackson gave up football after high school, played again at a community college, and then developed into a Division 1 player at the University of Alabama.

After an All-Pac-12 season at Oregon in 2023, he declared for the NFL Draft. The Vikings selected the 24-year-old Jackson in the fourth round this year.

“I am absolutely devastated by this news,” Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said in a statement. “Khyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team. His confidence and engaging personality immediately attracted his teammates.”

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