Former Seahawks, Vikings Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson Dies in Car Accident at 36
Former Seattle Seahawks starting, and backup, quarterback Tarvaris Jackson died Sunday night in a car crash, ESPN’s Courtney Cronin reports.
Cronin confirmed Jackson’s passing with Tennessee State University, where the former NFL QB spent last year as the quarterbacks coach.
“According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Jackson was involved in a single-vehicle crash at 8:50 p.m. Sunday; the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro he was driving left the roadway, struck a tree and then overturned. Jackson was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.”
The Seahawks are stunned and heartbroken to learn of the tragic passing of legend Tarvaris Jackson.
T-Jack earned the respect of the organization and teammates with his competitiveness, toughness and professionalism. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/4YApkKaVnh
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) April 13, 2020
Jackson is survived by his wife and three children.
Some of Jackson’s former teammates and coaches chimed in on Twitter.
TJack… you will be missed. Praying for your family…Love you man. 💔
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) April 13, 2020
Tarvaris Jackson was my mentor! He played the game with dignity and taught me how to use my MIND 🧠 to manipulate the defense. When my family couldn’t make it to Seattle for holidays, it was TJACK who invited me to his house to celebrate with his family!
— BJ DANIELS (@BJDANIELS10) April 13, 2020
Tarvaris Jackson was a beloved teammate, competitor, and Seahawk. He will be deeply missed. So heartbroken by the news of his passing and sending our condolences to his family and friends. We love you forever @7tjackson
— Pete Carroll (@PeteCarroll) April 13, 2020
Jackson struggled to get playing time with Arkansas in 2001 and 2002. He transferred to Alabama State University and faired much better in his three years with the Hornets.
In his second season at Alabama State (2004), Jackson led the team to their second 10-win season in school history. The Hornets also won the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Championship in 2004 as Jackson earned the game MVP award.
He turned his success with Alabama State into a being drafted in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings.
He was with Minnesota from 2006-2010, but he never started more than 12 games in one season with the Vikings. He served as Brett Favre’s backup in 2009 and 2010.
Then, he signed for two years with Seattle in the offseason before the 2011 season. Jackson had his best year as an NFL starter with his only 3,000 yard season (3,091) and most TD passes (14) in a single season.
Before the 2012 season, he was traded to the Buffalo Bills after the Seahawks acquired Matt Flynn and Russell Wilson in the offseason. He served as the third-string QB, but Jackson never saw game action with Buffalo.
He returned to Seattle in 2013 on a one-year deal. Jackson would end up being Wilson’s backup for three seasons. He won Super Bowl 48 with the Seahawks in Feb. 2014.
