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Former NFL wide receiver Vincent Jackson was found dead inside a hotel room in Brandon, Florida on Monday morning at the age of 38.
According to the Hillborough County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson’s family reported him missing on February 10th and he was contacted by police who canceled the missing persons case after he told them he was ok just two days later. Jackson was found dead on Monday with “no apparent signs of trauma” by the hotel’s cleaning crew.
HAPPENING NOW: #teamHCSO is investigating the death of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers player Vincent Jackson. Jackson, 38, was found deceased on Monday, February 15, 2021, at the Homewood Suites in Brandon. pic.twitter.com/OZ8QwKakLw
— HCSO (@HCSOSheriff) February 15, 2021
According to hotel staff, Jackson, who is a South Tampa resident, checked into the hotel on January 11, & had been staying in a room since that date.
On February 10, HCSO spoke with Jackson’s family members who called to report that he was missing.
— HCSO (@HCSOSheriff) February 15, 2021
A formal report was filed on February 11. The following day, February 12, HCSO located Jackson at the Homewood Suites and spoke with him. After assessing Jackson’s well-being, the missing persons case was canceled.
— HCSO (@HCSOSheriff) February 15, 2021
Jackson was located deceased at approximately 11:30 a.m. on February 15 in his hotel room by a housekeeper. There are no apparent signs of trauma. The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the cause of death, as well as officially identify his remains.
— HCSO (@HCSOSheriff) February 15, 2021
Hillborough county Sheriff Chad Chronister released the following statement following Vincent’s death.
“My heart aches for the many loved ones Vincent Jackson leaves behind, from his wife and children to the Buccaneers nation that adored him. Mr. Jackson was a devoted man who put his family and community above everything 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 made an honorary deputy by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office to recognize his dedication to the community. He will be sorely missed by not only football fans across the country, but also the people here in Hillsborough County who reaped the benefits of his generous contributions.”
Jackson was drafted in the second round of the 2005 NFL draft by the San Diego Chargers and played there until moving on to Tampa Bay in 2012 where he ended his career.
Jackson went to the Pro Bowl three times during his career, twice with the Chargers (2009, 2011) and once with the Bucs (2012). .