Vincent Jackson, former NFL wide receiver, found dead in hotel room, authorities say

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The 38-year-old had been staying at the Homewood Suites in Brandon, about 12 miles outside of Tampa, since Jan. 11, according to a press release from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

Officials at the sheriff’s office said they spoke to Jackson’s relatives on Feb. 10, after calling to report that he was missing. The following day, a formal report was filed.

Last Friday, officials said they located and spoke to Jackson at the Homewood Suites, the press release said.

“After assessing Jackson’s welfare, the missing persons case was canceled,” the release said.

Vincent Jackson of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on October 5, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Jackson was found dead by a housekeeper at 11:30 am Monday. There were no obvious signs of trauma.

The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine cause of death and officially identify Jackson’s remains based on dental or DNA data, the press release said.

“Mr. Jackson was a dedicated man who put his family and community above all else,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement Monday. Football aside, he has 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 named an honorary deputy by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office to recognize his commitment to the community. . “

“He will be sorely missed by not only football fans around the country, but also the people here in Hillsborough County who reaped the benefits of his generous contributions.”

Jackson played in the NFL for 12 seasons

Jackson played college football at the University of Northern Colorado where he was a standout player, according to the school
According to the NFL, he was called up by the San Diego Chargers in 2005. He went on to play 12 seasons in the league, his first seven seasons with the Chargers and the last five with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Vincent Jackson of the San Diego Chargers takes to the field after his flyout against the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium on November 27, 2011 in San Diego, California.
The Chargers, now based in Los Angeles, has issued a statement Monday said the team was “shocked and deeply saddened” by the news of Jackson’s death.

“Vincent was a fan favorite not only because of his Pro Browl game on the field, but also because of the impact he made on the community,” the statement said. “The work he has done through his foundation for military families in the years since his retirement has been an inspiration to all of us.”

The Buccaneers, who recently won the Super Bowl, said in a statement that Jackson was “a consummate professional” during his five years with the team.

“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,” the statement read.

Jackson was a three-time Pro Bowl roster and was nominated four times for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, which recognizes players who have made a positive impact on their communities, the Buccaneers said.

CNN’s Jill Martin contributed to this report.

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