Minnesota Vikings Honor Former Rookie Cornerback Khyree Jackson

The Minnesota Vikings are mourning the loss of rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson, who died in a car crash last month. Jackson had just been drafted by the Vikings in the fourth round and was expected to have a promising career in the NFL. As a way to honor his memory, the Vikings will have special "KJ" decals on each player's helmet this season and will also pay out the remainder of his signing bonus to his estate.

The Minnesota Vikings are mourning the loss of rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson, who died in a car crash in Maryland last month. Jackson had just been drafted by the Vikings in the fourth round and was expected to have a promising career in the NFL.

As a way to honor his memory, the Vikings announced several initiatives to honor his memory. The team will have special "KJ" decals on each player's helmet this season, and they will also pay out the remainder of his signing bonus to his estate. Jackson's signing bonus was $827,148 as part of his rookie deal, per Spotrac.

Minnesota Vikings Honor Former Rookie Cornerback Khyree Jackson

The Vikings also plan on paying a "significant portion" of Jackson's funeral costs, per the Minneapolis Star-Tribune's Ben Goessling. Jackson's funeral is set for this Friday, and it will be attended by Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, head coach Kevin O'Connell, and assistant coaches Brian Flores, Matt Daniels, and Daronte Jones, among others.

Jackson's No. 31 will not be worn this season by any Vikings player.

Minnesota Vikings Honor Former Rookie Cornerback Khyree Jackson

Jackson's death came in a car crash in Maryland two weeks ago. His high school teammates, Isaiah Hazel and Anthony "AJ" Lytton, also died. Maryland State Police found that Hazel, the driver of the Dodge Charger that was totaled in the crash, and Jackson were dead upon arrival. Lytton was taken to the hospital where he later died of his injuries.

There were three vehicles involved in the crash, which included a silver Infinity Q50 and a Chevy Impala. Police say their initial findings were the driver of the Infinity Q50, identified as Cori Clingman, 23, attempted to change lanes at a "high rate of speed when she struck the Dodge Charger and then struck the Chevrolet Impala."

Minnesota Vikings Honor Former Rookie Cornerback Khyree Jackson

The Charger then traveled off the right side of the road and "struck multiple tree stumps" before coming to a rest. No one was injured in Clingman's vehicle, which had two other passengers inside, while the Chevy Impala driver refused medical attention at the scene.

Investigators believe alcohol may have been a contributing factor in the crash, though they did not specify which driver.

"I am absolutely crushed by this news," O'Connell said in a statement at the time.

"Khyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team. His confidence and engaging personality immediately drew his teammates to him. In our short time together, it was evident Khyree was going to develop into a tremendous professional football player, but what was more impressive was his desire to become the best person he could be for his family and those around him. I am at a loss for words. My heart goes out to Khyree's family, friends, teammates, and coaches."

The Vikings are expected to sign a replacement for Jackson in the coming days.