Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson died in a car crash in Alabama Sunday night, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Jackson was traveling on Pike Road near Antioch Lane, when his 2012 Chevy Camaro left the road, struck a tree, and overturned. He was taken to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
Jackson hailed from Montgomery, Alabama and originally began his collegiate career with the University of Arkansas before transferring to Alabama State. He received All-SWAC honors in 2005 after passing for 2,655 yards and 25 touchdowns. Jackson added an additional 271 yards rushing with 2 touchdowns. That same season, he led ASU to their second 10-win season in school history and a Southwestern Athletic Conference Eastern Division title.
The Minnesota Vikings had their eye on Jackson throughout his senior year and during the East-West Shrine Game. His workouts at the NFL Combine greatly impressed scouts and personnel. The Vikings eventually drafted him in the 2nd round with the 64th overall pick. “It was like a dream, just unbelievable. I’ll be honest, I almost cried-came really, really close to it. I never expected this,” Jackson said after being drafted.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of former #Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson.
You will be missed, TJack!
📰: https://t.co/ZN4IwLgrN0 pic.twitter.com/SfCFhkT9jJ
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) April 13, 2020
Unfortunately, Tarvaris never lived up to the Vikings’ expectations. His best season came in 2007, when he passed for 1,911 yards with 9 touchdowns. He added an additional 260 yards rushing with 3 touchdowns. Jackson’s final season was 2010. He served as as backup to Brett Favre before becoming an unrestricted free agent. This came on March 3, 2011 after Minnesota declined to tender Jackson a contract offer to play in the 2011 season.
In 2011, the Seattle Seahawks gave Jackson’s career new life with a 2-year contract. This move reunited him with offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell and former teammate Sidney Rice. The 2011 season would prove to be the best of his career. Along with being named team captain, Tarvaris passed for 3,091 yards with 14 touchdowns. During the off-season, the Seahawks acquired former Packers quarterback Matt Flynn and drafted rookie Russell Wilson from Wisconsin. Jackson was then traded to the Buffalo Bills.
TJack… you will be missed. Praying for your family…Love you man. 💔
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) April 13, 2020
Tarvaris Jackson was my mentor! He played the game with dignity and taught me how to use my MIND 🧠 to manipulate the defense. When my family couldn’t make it to Seattle for holidays, it was TJACK who invited me to his house to celebrate with his family!
— BJ DANIELS (@BJDANIELS10) April 13, 2020
I came to @Seahawks with the same kind of talent as my guy @DangeRussWilson and I will ALWAYS respect and admire the way the QB room accepted me and supported me. Especially Tarvaris Jackson who didn’t have a single bone in his body of jealousy or animosity. RIP BRO 🙏🏽
— BJ DANIELS (@BJDANIELS10) April 13, 2020