Former Seahawks quarterback Tarvaris Jackson dies in car crash
Apr 13, 2020, 10:03 AM | Updated: 10:35 am
Former Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson died in a single-vehicle crash Sunday night. (AP)
(AP)
Tarvaris Jackson, a quarterback who had two stints with the Seahawks, died Sunday night in a car crash on Sunday night. He was 36.
Jackson was Seattle’s starter in 2011, the last season before Russell Wilson arrived in town and became the franchise QB. The team was 7-7 in games started by Jackson and 7-8 when he played the majority of the game.
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
Seattle traded Jackson to Buffalo for a draft pick, where he spent the 2012 season but did not see any playing time. Jackson returned to Seattle in 2013 to serve as Wilson’s backup, which he did for three seasons, appearing in eight games.
He passed for 7,263 yards with 39 touchdowns and 35 interceptions in his 10-year NFL career.
Jackson was a native of Montgomery, Ala. He played two seasons at Arkansas in college, then transferred to Alabama State, where he played three seasons. He was a second-round pick of Minnesota in 2006. He spent five seasons with the Vikings, starting 20 of the 36 games he appeared in, including 12 in 2007.
Following his playing career, Jackson began coaching in the college ranks. He was a graduate assistant at Alabama State in 2018 and was named quarterbacks coach at Tennessee State in 2019.
The single-vehicle crash occurred at 8:50 p.m. Sunday in Alabama, approximately seven miles south of Montgomery, when Jackson’s 2012 Chevrolet Camaro left the roadway, struck a tree and overturned, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and reported by ESPN.
He is survived by his wife Lakitta, and three children, Tarvaris, Takayla and Tyson.
Current and former members of the Seahawks reacted to the news of Jackson’s death Monday morning on social media, including coach Pete Carroll, who said “Tarvaris Jackson was a beloved teammate, competitor, and Seahawk.”
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
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
Members of 710 ESPN Seattle have also shared their memories of Jackson.
Rest in peace, Tarvaris Jackson. He was one of the most universally respected players in the #Seahawks locker room in the 15 years I've been around the team. https://t.co/aQNmcRY0Xq
— Danny O'Neil (@dannyoneil) April 13, 2020
Tavaris Jackson was the ultimate pro who carried himself with dignity. He had the respect of everyone when he was a Seahawk. At 36 it's just so wrong
— Dave Grosby (@Thegroz) April 13, 2020
