Former NFL Wide Receiver Vincent Jackson Found Dead in Florida

Tampa police are looking into the death of former NFL wide receiver Vincent Jackson.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's office said 38-year-old Jackson was found dead in a hotel room in Brandon, just outside of Tampa, Florida.

Hotel staff told the sheriff's office that Jackson checked into the hotel on Jan. 11 and had been staying in a room — he is a South Tampa resident.

Jackson's family members called the sheriff's office to report him missing on Feb. 10 and a formal report was filed on Feb. 11.

"The following day, February 12, HCSO located Jackson at the Homewood Suites and spoke with him," the sheriff's office said. "After assessing Jackson’s well-being, the missing persons case was canceled."

The sheriff's office said Jackson was found in his hotel room by a housekeeper Monday morning around 11:30 a.m.

"My heart aches for the many loved ones Vincent Jackson leaves behind, from his wife and children to the Buccaneers nation that adored him," said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Mr. Jackson was a devoted man who put his family and community above everything else.”

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said the case remains an active and open investigation and said there are no apparent signs of trauma.

Jackson's Legacy

Jackson's former teams and the league released statements on his sudden death.

The three-time Pro Bowler who played 12 seasons in the NFL from 2005 to 2016 recorded six 1,000-yard receiving campaigns and marked 540 catches for 9,080 yards and 57 touchdowns over the course of his career.

Jackson spent his first seven seasons with the Chargers when the team was located in San Diego.

The Chargers released a statement on Jackson's death Monday afternoon.

Jackson played his last five seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Yahoo Sports reports that he remained an active member of the community as a philanthropist and business owner, and he opened three of seven restaurants that he co-owned in Tampa.