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How did Vincent Jackson die? Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR found dead at 38 in Florida hotel

Jackson was found at the Homewood Suites in Brandon, with hotel staff confirming that the South Tampa resident had checked into the hotel on January 11, 2021

Vincent Jackson, a former Chargers and Buccaneers wide receiver (WR) was found dead in a hotel room in Hillsborough County, Florida on Monday, February 15 at the age of 38. This news was confirmed by the County's Sheriff's Office on February 15 with reports revealing that an active and open investigation into Jackon's death is ongoing.

The former player had been drafted in the second round of the 2005 NFL draft and had been in San Diego for seven years before making the move to Tampa Bay. While with the Buccaneers, SI reported that Jackson had totaled "1,000 or more receiving yards three times in his five seasons with the team." Before retiring in 2016, the former Buccaneer had made Pro Bowls in his 12-year career with the NFL.

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How did Vincent Jackson die?

The Hillsborough County sheriff's office's (HCSO) official page on Twitter reported in a thread of tweets about how the investigation is unfolding. According to the tweets, Jackson was found at the Homewood Suites in Brandon, with hotel staff confirming that the South Tampa resident had checked into the hotel on January 11, 2021. He had been in that room since then and on February 10, he was reported missing by his family with a formal report being filed on February 11.

 On February 12, HSCO found Jackon at the Homewood Suites and had spoken with him leading to the missing person's case being canceled, since they, as reported, had assessed Jackson's health. On February 15, he was found dead at approximately 11:30 am by his housekeeper. HCSO reported that there were "no apparent signs of trauma" and that the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office is set to determine the cause of death. They will, as well, "officially identify his remains."

The HCSO official Twitter account tweeted what Sheriff Chad Chronister said writing, ""My heart aches for the many loved ones Vincent Jackson leaves behind, from his wife and children to the Buccaneers nation that adored him," said #SheriffChadChronister. "Mr. Jackson was a devoted man who put his family and community above everything else.” They also added that the department has notified Jackon's next of kin about his death, but that this "remains an active and open investigation."

Good wishes and condolences pour in for Jackson

The official Twitter account of the Los Angeles Chargers posted a picture of Jackson tweeting, "Gone too soon [blue heart]". They also added a statement that read, "We are shocked and deeply saddened by news of Vincent Jackson's sudden passing. Vincent was a fan favorite not only for his Pro Bowl play on the field by for the impact he made on the community off of it. The work he has done on behalf of military families through his foundation in the years since his retirement has been an inspiration to all of us. We simply cannot believe he's gone, and our hearts go out to his wife, Lindsey, their children, his parents, former teammates, and everyone whose lives were touched by having known Vincent."

Jackon's former team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers shared a statement on Twitter as well writing, "We are shocked and saddened to hear the terrible news regarding the loss of Vincent Jackson. During five seasons with our franchise, Vincent was a consummate professional, who took a great deal of pride in his performance on and off the football field. Vincent was a dedicated father, husband, businessman and philanthropist, who made a deep impact on our community through his unyielding advocacy for military families, supported by the Jackson in Action 83 Foundation. 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. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife, Lindsey, and the entire Jackson family."

The NFL's official twitter page too shared an image of Jackson, tweeting, "Former Chargers and Buccaneers WR Vincent Jackson has died at age 38. Rest In Peace."

Fans of the retired footballer couldn't believe the news of his passing with many complimenting the late Buccaneer on his stats and talent. "R.I.P. Vincent Jackson. You were one of the most talented tight ends to play the game," wrote one fan. Some didn't hesitate to speak of their personal experience with one fan writing, "Rest In Peace Vincent Jackson. He once signed a ball of mine when I was young. He went out of his way to do it because I was too small to get to the front of the gate (I was in 4th or 5th grade). A great guy on and off the field. Millions of hearts broke today."