BRANDON, Fla. — Authorities are investigating the death of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson, who was found dead Monday at a South Florida hotel.
Hotel staff told police that Jackson, 38, checked into the Homewood Suites in Brandon on Jan. 11 and had been in the same room since that date, WFTS reported.
Jackson’s family reported him missing to authorities on Feb. 10, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department located and spoke with him at the hotel two days later, the TV station reported.
A housekeeper reportedly found Jackson dead at around 11:30 a.m. Monday, with no apparent signs of trauma, WFLA reported.
According to WFTS, the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the cause of death and officially identify Jackson’s remains based on dental and DNA records.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers responded to news of Jackson’s death with the following tweet:
Meanwhile, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister issued 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, who attended Northern Colorado University, was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2005 NFL draft. The three-time Pro Bowler was signed by Tampa Bay in 2012, where he played until his 2016 retirement, WFLA reported.