Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson was found dead in a Brandon hotel room Monday afternoon, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. He was 38 years old.
On Monday's Beckles & Recher Show, friends who knew him, and the beat writers who covered him, joined the show to remember Jackson's life. Those clips are below, along with remembrances from fans and those who knew Jackson.
The Buccaneers released a statement Monday night, saying the team was shocked and saddened by his sudden passing.
The Los Angeles Chargers also released a statement of their own, mourning his loss.
Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans also posted a tribute on Twitter, saying "V Jax thank you for everything I love you big bro. Praying for your family Rest in Paradise."
Jackson, who was a South Tampa resident, had been staying at the Homewood Suites in Brandon since Jan. 11, sheriff's deputies report. Jackson's family reported him missing on Feb. 10, but the missing person's case was canceled after HCSO deputies came in contact with him and assessed his well being.
Jackson was found dead in his room at 11:30 a.m. Monday by a hotel housekeeper. There were no signs of trauma, and the medical examiner has yet to determine a cause of death.
Jackson was a three-time Pro Bowl receiver for the Buccaneers and the then San Diego Chargers, who drafted him out of Northern Colorado in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft.
While with the Buccaneers, he was named the team's candidate for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in four of his five seasons with the team.
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