Former Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson dies in car crash at 36, tributes pour in from fans and colleagues
Former NFL quarterback Tarvaris Jackson died in a car crash on Sunday, April 13, night in Alabama at the age of 36.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport broke the news on Twitter. "Former #Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson died last night in a car accident in Alabama, a spokesperson for his employer Tennessee State tells me. Jackson, 36, was TSU’s QB coach. Along with Seattle, he also played for the #Vikings and #Bills," the tweet said.
Jackson worked as a quarterbacks coach at Tennessee State University, which confirmed the news to CBS. According to KARE 11, Jackson was involved in a single-vehicle crash at 8:50 pm when he was returning home from his native Montgomery, Alabama.
The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro he was driving left the roadway, struck a tree before overturning.
Jackson was survived by his wife Lakitta Jackson, and three children – Tarvaris, Takayla and Tyson.
Jackson's career highlights included playing four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings from 2006 to 2010 before signing with the Seattle Seahawks. In 2011, he signed a two-year contract with the Seahawks before getting traded to the Bills a year later. When he rejoined the Seahawks in June 2013, he was Russell Wilson’s backup on the team.
Among the prominent figures who paid tribute to Jackson following his death was Wilson. “TJack… you will be missed. Praying for your family…Love you man,” he wrote on social media.
A host of prayers and condolences followed on Twitter:
NFL tweeted: "We are saddened to share the passing of former Vikings, Seahawks, and Bills QB Tarvaris Jackson. He was 36."
BJ Daniels wrote: "I came to @Seahawks with the same kind of talent as my guy @DangeRussWilson and I will ALWAYS respect and admire the way the QB room accepted me and supported me. Especially Tarvaris Jackson who didn’t have a single bone in his body of jealousy or animosity. RIP BRO"
"Tarvaris Jackson was my mentor! He played the game with dignity and taught me how to use my MIND to manipulate the defense. When my family couldn’t make it to Seattle for holidays, it was TJACK who invited me to his house to celebrate with his family!" he added in another tweet.
Sports reporter Danny O' Neil wrote: "Rest in peace, Tarvaris Jackson. He was one of the most universally respected players in the #Seahawks locker room in the 15 years I've been around the team."
Former NFL quarterback Sage Rosenfels wrote: "During 2 training camps I competed with Tarvaris Jackson for the starting spot with the @Vikings before Favre arrived both seasons. For two guys fighting for the same job, we got along exceptionally well. TJack loved his family and teammates, and they loved him back. RIP #7"
Seahawks writer Gregg Bell tweeted: "So sad to hear about the passing of former Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson from a car accident. Rest easy number 7."
Sports and fitness blogger Dominique Clare said: "Sad news: Former #Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson died last night in a car accident at age 36, as @RapSheet confirms. Jackson was the last full-time Seahawks QB before Russell Wilson. Played for months in 2011 w/ a pectoral 50% torn. Won 7 games--and Pete Carroll's supreme respect"