(KGTV) — Former San Diego Charger and Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson was found dead inside a Florida hotel room on Monday.
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office confirmed that Jackson, 38, was found by a housekeeper at the Homewood Suites located in Brandon, Fla.
According to deputies, the hotel's staff said Jackson, a South Tampa resident, checked into the hotel on Jan. 11 and had been staying there since. Members of his family reported that he was missing to the sheriff's office on Feb. 10 day prior before filing an official report the next day.
Deputies located Jackson at the hotel on Feb. 12 and spoke with him. After the well-being check, the missing person case was canceled, HCSO said in a release.
There were no apparent signs of trauma and the cause of death was still being determined, according to HCSO. Jackson's next of kin has been notified.
"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 HCSO Sheriff Chad Chronister. "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.”
The three-time Pro Bowler was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in 2005 and spent seven seasons with the team, before signing out of free agency with Tampa Bay in 2012. He logged 540 receptions, 57 touchdowns, and 9080 receiving yards during his career. His final NFL season was in 2016.
