Family of late Vikings player Khyree Jackson launches scholarship to honor his legacy – WUSA9
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UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — Nearly one year after former Minnesota Vikings cornerback, and Prince George’s County native, Khyree Jackson died in a car crash, his family is turning their grief into action by giving back to the community he loved.
Khyree Jackson’s parents have launched the Khyree Jackson Foundation, along with a scholarship program at his alma mater, Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School, to help local students pursue higher education.
“His number one thing after he got drafted — he was already talking to us about what a nonprofit name should be,” said Ebbony Jackson, his mother.
Khyree Jackson was killed in a car crash in Upper Marlboro in July 2024, alongside two of his high school teammates, Isaiah Hazel and Anthony Lytton Jr. The three had forged a deep bond while playing football at Wise High School.
“This is where it all started for Khyree,” said Ebbony Jackson. “This is where he cultivated his lasting friendships… I think it was just full circle for us to make sure we come back.”
The scholarship, funded in part by donations — including from the Minnesota Vikings — will award $1,000 to select graduating seniors from Wise High School. It honors Khyree Jackson’s values: faith, authenticity, perseverance, humility and determination.
The full list of criteria is:
“He had some struggles in school as well,” said Raymond Jackson, Khyree’s father. “But he buckled down when it was time to get things done.”
Though Khyree Jackson was drafted to the NFL in 2023, his parents say his passion wasn’t just for football — it was for uplifting others.
“The fact that these students can go into college and say they received a scholarship in our son’s name — I think it keeps his memory alive,” Ebbony Jackson said.
The scholarship application is open until July 25. Winners will be announced on what would have been Jackson’s birthday, Aug. 11, during a private event where the foundation will also host a youth outreach initiative
“It’s okay if you fall down,” said Ebbony Jackson. “Khyree had some hurdles, but he was always determined to get back up.”
For more details on the Khyree Jackson Foundation or to apply for the scholarship, visit KhyreeJacksonFoundation.Org.
His foundation also includes Khyree’s Locker of Hope. It’s an initiative that honors Khyree’s legacy by providing sports equipment and school supplies to underserved children. Inspired by Khyree’s locker in the Minnesota Vikings locker room, Khyree’s Locker of Hope is a traveling memorial locker filled with donated supplies. The plan is to include the Locker of Hope for his birthday event to help local underserved youth as well.
