Former Widefield High, UNC-striking Vincent Jackson found dead in Florida hotel room

DENVER – Former University of Northern Colorado and Widefield High School striking wide receiver Vincent Jackson was found dead on Monday at a hotel in Brandon, Florida, according to authorities there.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said Jackson, 38, who lived in South Tampa, checked into the Homewood Suites in Brandon on January 11. report the next day, the sheriff’s office said.

On Feb. 12, deputies found him at the Homewood Suites, assessed his well-being and canceled the missing person’s case, officials said.

But the former Pro Bowl recipient was found dead by a housekeeper in his hotel room around 11:30 a.m. Monday, the sheriff’s office said.

There were no apparent signs of trauma on Jackson’s body, the sheriff’s office said, and the medical examiner’s office will determine his cause of death.

Jackson was an all-conference football player at Widefield High School in Colorado Springs and also played basketball. He attended the University of Northern Colorado on a partial scholarship and was an All-America as a freshman punt returner. He also played basketball for the Bears.

CHRIS DONAHUE / AP

Jackson went on to become the college record holder in receptions, receiving yards for both a game and a season, receiving touchdowns, and kick and punt return yards.

Reed Doughty, a former UNC teammate and roommate of Vincent Jackson, told Denver7’s Troy Renck “he is deeply saddened” by the death of a friend.

They were inducted into the NoCo Hall of Fame in 2011. Jackson waited a year to enter the Hall so he could enter with Doughty. “It was a special evening.” They decided to go to UNC together after meeting with a recruitment trip at Colorado School of Mines.

He was picked in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers, where he completed two Pro Bowl seasons and three seasons in which he won 1,000 yards. He was the top pick ever for a UNC footballer.

Jackson signed a $ 55 million five-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2012, finishing that year with career highs in receptions and receiving yards, earning another Pro Bowl roster. He would play with the Bucs for four more years before injuring his knee in 2016 and retiring in 2018.

Buccaneers owner Bryan Glazer said the team was sad to hear the news and praised his work off the field, landing him as a nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award several times.

“We are shocked and saddened to hear the terrible news of Vincent Jackson’s loss. During his five seasons with our franchise, Vincent was a consummate professional, taking great pride in his achievements on and off the football field. Vincent was a devoted father, husband, businessman, and philanthropist who deeply impressed our community through his unyielding advocacy for military families, supported by the Jackson in Action 83 Foundation. He was a three-time Pro Bowl roster for his performance on the field, but his greatest achievement as a Buccaneer was the four consecutive nominations he earned as our Walter Payton Man of the Year. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife, Lindsey, and the entire Jackson family. “

“My heart aches for the many loved ones Vincent Jackson leaves behind, from his wife and children to the Buccaneers nation who adored him,” Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement.

Mr. Jackson was a dedicated man who put his family and community above all 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 through. appointed the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office an honorary deputy to recognize his commitment to the community, “added Chronister. are generous contributions. “

“Rest in peace for one of the greatest bears of all time,” tweeted the University of Northern Colorado football team.

This is a news item in development and will be updated.