NFL Star Vincent Jackson, 38, Found Dead in a Florida Hotel Room — inside His Life & Career

Vincent Jackson, a former Tampa Bay Buccaneers football player, was reported missing last week by his family members. However, he was found alive and well before his death this week.

Former National Football League (NFL) star Vincent Jackson was reported missing by his family members on February 11, 2021. According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO), he was later discovered alive.

The HCSO found him alive at the Homewood Suites hotel the following day. The authorities spoke to the South Tampa resident, made sure he was okay, and canceled his missing person’s case.

According to the establishment's staff, Jackson had been at the hotel located at 10240 Palm River Road in Brandon, Florida, since January 11, 2021. However, on Monday, February 15, 2021, he was found dead.

The twelve-year NFL veteran’s body was discovered at the same Florida hotel room. Jackson, who was 38, was found deceased at around 11:30 a.m. by a hotel housekeeper.

The former San Diego Chargers wide receiver’s death showed no visible signs of trauma. The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office is looking into the cause of death.

It will also work on identifying the late player’s remains using his DNA or dental records. His next of kin has been notified of Jackson’s death by the HSCO, and the case is currently ongoing.

Sheriff Chad Chronister released a statement saying how his heart ached for the loved ones that the former player left behind. He went on to describe the late star as a devoted man, adding:

“He touched countless lives through his Jackson In Action 83 Foundation."

Even though he never served his country, Jackson’s parents were part of the army. The Jackson In Action 83 organization is a foundation that aims to help military families and their children.

The athlete was a star player in basketball and football at the University of Northern Colorado. In the 2005 NFL Draft, the late football player placed sixty-first overall to the San Diego Chargers.

For the San Diego Chargers, he played seven seasons and caught 272 passes for 4,754 yards. He also made thirty-seven touchdowns while playing in San Diego and made the Pro Bowl twice.

In 2018, Jackson was retired after earning 540 receptions during his 12 seasons in the league.

He left the Chargers in 2011, and the following year he signed up with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he made 268 catches for 4,326 yards. In sixty-three games, he managed to make twenty touchdowns.

A torn ligament caused the player to reduce his playing time by 2016, and he sat out the 2017 season. In 2018, Jackson was retired after earning 540 receptions during his 12 seasons in the league.

The Northern Colorado-born athlete allegedly made more than $71 million in contract money during his NFL run. In 2013, he was number 45 on “Forbes’” World's Highest-Paid Athletes with an earning of $23.4 million.