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- Former Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson was found dead in a hotel room Monday.
- A missing person’s report was closed Saturday after deputies assessed Jackson’s well-being.
- There were no signs of trauma; the local sheriff’s department is determining the cause of death.
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Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson was found dead late Monday morning in a hotel room in Brandon, Florida, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department reported. The cause of death is unknown.
Jackson, who was 38, had been staying at the Homewood Suites since first checking in January 11, hotel staff said. His family formerly reported him missing February 12, but the case was closed the next day after deputies talked to Jackson at the hotel and assessed his well-being.
Then, at about 11:30 am Monday, a housekeeper found Jackson dead, with no signs of trauma. The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office is investigating the cause of death.
Sheriff Chad Chronister released the following 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. 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, a three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, was selected in the second round of the 2005 NFL draft by the San Diego Chargers, for whom he played until joining Tampa Bay in 2012. He retired in 2016.