Former Vikings Players, Coaches React to Tragic Passing of Tarvaris Jackson

The Vikings community is mourning the loss of one of its own.

The Vikings and NFL communities received some awful news on Monday morning when it was reported that former quarterback Tarvaris Jackson had passed away in a car crash. Jackson had just spent his first season as the quarterbacks coach at Tennessee State, and was less than two weeks from his 37th birthday.

Jackson spent ten seasons in the NFL, playing for the Vikings (2006-2010) and Seahawks (2011, 2013-2015) while also spending time on the Bills' roster in 2012. He started a playoff game after the 2008 season and won Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014.

According to Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press, Jackson had a goal of becoming an NFL coach.

Ex-#Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson had been QB coach at Tenn. St. He said in 2018 goal was to be an NFL coach. "I’ve got 10 years experience (in NFL). From my playing experience & my knowledge added over the years just everything I think I’ve got so much to give on the coaching end"

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) April 13, 2020

"The entire Vikings family is saddened by the news of Tarvaris Jackson being taken from us too soon," the Vikings said in a statement. "One of Tarvaris' greatest attributes was his positive outlook and approach. He genuinely cared about others, was a good friend and will be missed by family, teammates and Vikings fans everywhere. We send our deepest condolences to his family."

Jackson played in 36 games for the Vikings after being drafted in the second round out of Alabama State in 2006. He started 20 of those games, winning ten, while recording 28 total touchdowns. During the last two years of his Minnesota career, he primarily backed up Brett Favre.

"My time with the Vikings was very special because the team embraced and welcomed me as one of their own," Favre said to Vikings.com. "Tarvaris could have been anything but welcoming, but [instead he] was pure class and as good a teammate as any I've played with. [I'm] proud to call him a friend!! Such sad news."

Brad Childress was the Vikings' head coach during Jackson's entire career in Minnesota. He expressed shock and grief at hearing the news.

“Just a really good person,’’ Childress said of Jackson, per Tomasson. “I thought he was a great teammate and he had a great way about him. He was never too high, never too low. I think it says something any time you’re able to have a 10-year NFL career.’’

Many other former teammates chimed in on social media to offer their condolences.

RIP Tavaris Jackson. TJack was one of the best teammates and friends. Drafted together in 06’ and he will be missed. #skol #tavarisjackson

— Chad Greenway (@chadgreenway52) April 13, 2020

During 2 training camps I competed with Tarvaris Jackson for the starting spot with the @Vikings before Favre arrived both seasons.

For two guys fighting for the same job, we got along exceptionally well.

TJack loved his family and teammates, and they loved him back. RIP #7 pic.twitter.com/rD5zjpv2JG

— Sage Rosenfels (@SageRosenfels18) April 13, 2020

Sad to read this morning. Always had a smile on his face, no matter the situation. Great teammate. https://t.co/iGeubhsSiR

— Steve Hutchinson (@HutchSevenSix) April 13, 2020

TJack... you will be missed. Praying for your family...Love you man. 💔

— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) April 13, 2020

This is awful. Thinking of him and his family. https://t.co/ufvVFL0oPa

— Ben Leber (@nacholeber) April 13, 2020

Going to miss you, TJack. pic.twitter.com/91H2K7rm4O

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) April 13, 2020

Jackson is survived by his wife Lakitta and three children.

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