Former NFL wide receiver Vincent Jackson is found dead at age 38 in Florida hotel where he'd been living for over a month

 Former NFL wide receiver Vincent Jackson was found dead in a Florida hotel room on Monday, police have confirmed.

The 38-year-old was discovered deceased by a housekeeper at approximately 11:30am local time at the Homewood Suites in the Tampa suburb of Brandon.

Police said there were no apparent signs of trauma and the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office is currently working to determine his cause of death.


According to staff at the hotel, Jackson, a married father-of-three, checked into Homewood on January 11, and had been staying there ever since.

The former Chargers and Buccaneers star was reported missing by his family on February 10, police said.

However, officers made contact with him two days later, on Friday, and the missing persons reported was canceled after 'assessing his well-being'.  

He was then found dead in his room just three days later. 

Former NFL wide receiver Vincent Jackson has been found dead in a Florida hotel room aged 38

Former NFL wide receiver Vincent Jackson has been found dead in a Florida hotel room aged 38

Police said the 38-year-old had been staying at the Homewood Suites in the Tampa suburb of Brandon since January 11

Police said the 38-year-old had been staying at the Homewood Suites in the Tampa suburb of Brandon since January 11

It's currently unclear why Jackson had been staying at Homewood Suites for the last month.  

He and wife of 10-years, Lindsey VanDeweghe, lived in a sprawling $3.5 million mansion at the Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club, in Tampa, along with their three young children - Carter, Amaya, and Dominick. 

Jackson proposed to VanDeweghe in 2011 while accepting the honor of being inducted into the University of Northern Colorado Hall of Fame.

Stepping on stage, the three-time Pro Bowler told her: 'I love you. I will always love you. I want to start a family with you. I want to spend the rest of my days with you. You are my soulmate. Will you marry me?'


They later tied the knot on July 16, 2011. VanDeweghe has not yet spoken publicly on Jackson's death.

However, a statement from Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister read: '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.'  

It's currently unclear why Jackson had been staying at Homewood Suites for the last month. He and wife of 10-years Lindsey VanDeweghe (together above) lived in a sprawling $3.5 million mansion at the Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club

It's currently unclear why Jackson had been staying at Homewood Suites for the last month. He and wife of 10-years Lindsey VanDeweghe (together above) lived in a sprawling $3.5 million mansion at the Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club

Police said there were no apparent signs of trauma and the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner¿s Office are currently working to determine his cause of death

Police said there were no apparent signs of trauma and the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office are currently working to determine his cause of death

Jackson reportedly had close ties to the sheriff's office and was also previously made an honorary deputy in recognition of his philanthropic work in the local community. 

He founded the Jackson in Action 83 Foundation in 2012, which provided support to military families, focusing on the educational, emotional, and physical health of children. 

'Football aside, he touched countless lives through his Jackson In Action 83 Foundation,' Chronister continued. '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.'

The Jackson in Action 83 Foundation also confirmed his death in a tweet, writing: 'We are all mourning the loss of our beloved @VincentTJackson.

'His wife and family ask that everyone respect their privacy at this time.'

Jackson played 12 seasons in the NFL, before officially announcing his retirement in 2018.

He began his career with the then-San Diego Chargers in 2005, after being selected in the second round of the Draft (61 overall). He remained with the side before moving onto the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2012 where he played for five seasons.

Jackson played 12 seasons in the NFL, before officially announcing his retirement in 2018

Jackson played 12 seasons in the NFL, before officially announcing his retirement in 2018

Jackson (above in 2015) posted six 1,000-yard seasons. He led the NFL with 19.2 yards per reception in his first season with Tampa Bay in 2012

Jackson (above in 2015) posted six 1,000-yard seasons. He led the NFL with 19.2 yards per reception in his first season with Tampa Bay in 2012

The three-time Pro Bowl selection caught 540 passes for 9,080 yards and 57 touchdowns in 155 games.

Jackson posted six 1,000-yard seasons. He led the NFL with 19.2 yards per reception in his first season with Tampa Bay in 2012.

Jackson became to emerge as a top receiver when he caught 18 passes for 300 yards and two touchdowns in three games in the 2007 postseason. The Chargers lost to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game.

The Chargers released a statement early Monday evening expressing shock over the news of Jackson's death, remembering him as a fan-favorite both on and off the field.

'We are shocked and deeply saddened by news of Vincent Jackson's sudden passing,' the team's statement began.

'Vincent was a fan favorite not only for his Pro Bowl play on the field but for the impact he made on the community off of it. The work he had done on behalf of military families through his foundation in the years since his retirement has been an inspiration to all of us.'

'We simply cannot believe he's gone, and our hearts go out to his wife, Lindsey, their children, his parents, former teammates and everyone whose lives were touched by having known Vincent.' 

The Buccaneers also released a statement from team owner Bryan Glazer.

'We are shocked and saddened to hear the terrible news regarding the loss of Vincent Jackson,' Glazer wrote. '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. 

'Our deepest condolences go out to his wife, Lindsey, and the entire Jackson family.'

Former Bucs teammate DJ Swearinger also commented on Jackson's death in a tweet, writing: 'My Goodness, may God be with your family Vincent Jackson! Rest In Peace! Og was a helluva teammate & a great guy frfr! Man I’m Praying for your Family.'

NFL linebacker Tre Watson added: 'This Vincent Jackson story is so sad & really odd at the same time. Just doesn’t sound right.'

An investigation into Jackson's death remains ongoing. 

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