NFL Community Remembering, Honoring Walter Payton Man Of The Year Nominee Vincent Jackson
While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrated a Super Bowl win, just a week later they’d be mourning the loss of one of their former Pro Bowl wide receivers, Vincent Jackson (per the Buccaneers).
Rest in peace, Vincent Jackson.
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) February 15, 2021pic.twitter.com/ik3GYZjQDr
According to ESPN: “Vincent Jackson was found dead Monday (February 15) in a Florida hotel room, according to The Hillsborough County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office. The body of the 38-year-old Jackson was found at approximately 11:30 a.m. ET on Monday at the Homewood Suites in Brandon, Florida. Police said there were no apparent signs of trauma, and the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the cause of death.”
In life, there’s mountaintop-type moments, then there’s the valleys of life where adversity and pain happens. The Buccaneers and NFL community went from that mountain-top celebration to the valleys of mourning and also remembering, honoring, and celebrating the life of Jackson.
Aside from the success on an NFL field, being second-round draft pick, becoming a three-time Pro Bowl selection, playing with the Chargers for seven years then the Buccaneers for five years, he also is remembered for his work off-the-field in the community.
As Bryan Glazer, Buccaneers owner and co-chairman, said via a statement Tweeted by the Buccaneers: “He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection for his accomplishments on the field, but his greatest achievements as a Buccaneer were the four consecutive nominations he earned as our Walter Payton Man of the Year.”
Per ESPN: “The son of military parents, Jackson founded the Jackson In Action 83 Foundation, a nonprofit to support military families.”
The Jackson In Action 83 Foundation Family thanked everyone who reached out to express their condolences in a Tweet: “We have received numerous requests from people who supported Vincent wanting to express their sympathies. While there is a hole in our hearts that can never be filled, we take solace knowing that Vincent positively impacted so many lives. His legacy will continue through the work of the Jackson in Action 83 Foundation and our support of military children and families.”
“A military child himself, Vincent took great pride in the foundation’s work, and we know he would not only want it to continue but to grow,” the Jackson In Action 83 Foundation Family said in a Tweet. “We ask that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to this foundation. Your support will allow for Vincent’s commitment to military families to continue in a meaningful way, which truly honors a life that meant so much to so many.”
If you’d like to support the Jackson in Action 83 Foundation in honor of Jackson, you can do so here.
People are praying for Jackson’s family and remembering, honoring, and mourning the loss of their cherished friend and teammate
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) February 16, 2021
Rest in Heaven Big Bro. @VincentTJackson . This does not feel real.
— Louis Murphy Jr (@murph918) February 16, 2021
gone too soon
— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) February 15, 2021pic.twitter.com/lQEtPjNQ4w
You come in as teammates and you leave as brothers, some things are hard to understand and hard figure out why but I’m not questioning God’s plans. I’m going to miss those occasional calls to call me soft and me saying come say it to my face Sweety pie lol.
— Shawne Merriman (@shawnemerriman) February 15, 2021VJ pic.twitter.com/WqCHU0h3Jb
If you ask me about the best people I've met covering sports, Vincent is one of the first names out of my mouth. I can't even comprehend the news we just got. We had just recently been texting about his charity work and his restaurant. I'm crushed. pic.twitter.com/psaFjvouGg
— Pat Donovan(@PatDonovanRadio) February 15, 2021
Mr Jackson always supported me…he taught me things that will never be forgotten…he will be missed
— Rocco Becht (@RoccoBecht) February 16, 2021https://t.co/4pLqxRbhJV
Jack was more than a teammate to me, he was my friend. He was one of the first people to teach me the difference in a professional and a pro. More importantly he was a great man. He made it his mission to make others smile. Gonna miss you bro. Love you Jack! “The Ultimate Pro”
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) February 16, 2021
I have so many great stories about VJ, & the brilliant, positive impact he had on our community. His foundation @JIA83Foundation has helped an uncountable number of people over the years, especially those in our local Military Community.
— Zac Blobner (@ZacOnTheMic) February 15, 2021
My heart hurtshttps://t.co/QGQCzUD3yM
My heart is crushed today after hearing about the passing of Vincent Jackson. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, children, and family. VJ was an incredible human being and a true servant of the Lord. REST IN PEACE my brother
— BC (@B_C_1_) February 16, 2021pic.twitter.com/F4djgLWEJU
Ah man, my heart hearts…RIP V-Jack. Thank you for showing me the way with your work ethic. One of the best teammates you could ask for
— Bryan Walters (@bwalt19) February 15, 2021#vincentJackson
#vincentjackson –
— Nikki (@NikkiRossInda) February 15, 2021of gold! LOVED military families, supported veteran programs and philanthropic causes. for his family & children. Incredibly sad, tragic, life cut waaay to short. He will b remembered as kind, giving, smart man who loved this community. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/IvGE6xgbGo
Rest In Peace Vincent Jackson. Gone but never forgotten my brother.
— Thomas Q. Jones (@thomasqjones) February 15, 2021
— Daisey Charlotte (@CharlotteDaisey) February 16, 2021
My heart hurts for Vincent Jackson’s wife, kids, family and friends. And this community that he did so much for. He was the nicest guy. #RIPVincentJackson pic.twitter.com/pS99niJtwP
Vincent Jackson went to Pro Bowl three times and was a solid player for #Bucs and Chargers. More importantly, he made a huge difference in the community. Vincent's @JIA83Foundation assisted military families focusing on educational, emotional, and physical health of children. RIP
— Paul DellegattoFOX (@PaulFox13) February 15, 2021
One time for Vincent Jackson! Absolutely awful news to hear today! May he rest in peace! #RIP
— Lance Briggs (@LanceBriggs) February 15, 2021pic.twitter.com/qI7LCJ1sFD
“Our deepest condolences go out to his wife, Lindsey, and the entire Jackson family,” Glazer said via the Buccaneers.
“V Jax thank you for everything I love you big bro,” Mike Evans, Buccaneers wide receiver, said in a Tweet. “Praying for your family Rest in Paradise”.
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