BRANDON -- Vincent Jackson, who spent 12 seasons in the NFL including five with Tampa Bay as a wide receiver, was found dead in a hotel room Monday.
The Hillsborough Sheriff says 38-year-old Jackson was discovered Monday morning around 11:30 by a housekeeper at the Homewood Suites on Palm River Road (photo below). They say he checked in Thursday.
Jackson's family reported him missing Wednesday (10th) and filed a report the next day. On Friday the 12th, deputies found Jackson at the hotel and spoke with him, then canceled the alert.
There are no apparent signs of trauma. The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the cause of death.
Sheriff Chad Chronister issued this statement:
"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 Sheriff Chad Chronister. "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.”
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor had this response:
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Vincent Jackson. His contributions to our community as a former Buccaneer, businessman and philanthropist are beyond reproach, and his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched. Vince’s family and friends are in our thoughts during this difficult time.”
The Buccaneers issued this statement:
“We are shocked and saddened to hear the terrible news regarding the loss of Vincent Jackson. During his 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.”
Photos: Getty Images/HCSO