First reported by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, former NFL quarterback Tarvaris Jackson died in a car crash on Easter Sunday night. ESPN's Courtney Cronin tweeted that, per the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Jackson's Chevrolet Camero left the roadway and struck a tree in a single-car accident. He was 36 years old.
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Jackson worked as quarterbacks coach at Tennessee State University after holding the same position at his alma mater, Alabama State. His coach bio on the TSU website says he and wife Lakitta Jackson had three children together — Tarvaris Jr., Takayla and Tyson.
Tarvaris Jackson Dies in Car Crash
Former Seahawks quarterback and Tennessee State QB coach Tarvaris Jackson died in a car crash last night, the school confirmed to @RapSheet.
He was 36. pic.twitter.com/AvisfzVVHp
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 13, 2020
Leading up to the 2006 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings and former head coach Brad Childress were looking for a quarterback who "might be a diamond in the rough" to take over the franchise. When the 64th overall pick came in the second round, Minnesota traded two third round picks to move up and select little-known Alabama State quarterback Tarvaris Jackson.
Over the next 10 seasons, the Montgomery, Alabama native played for the Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, and Buffalo Bills. In his second year, Jackson went 8-4 as Minnesota's starting quarterback with some help from the Offensive Rookie of the Year Adrian Peterson. Jackson ultimately didn't gain the trust of the Vikings' coaching staff and was benched before heading to Seattle.
His best statistical season came in 2011 when he started 14 games for the Seahawks, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 14 touchdowns in head coach Pete Carroll's second season.
In 2013, Jackson served as Russell Wilson's backup as the Seahawks rolled to victory in Super Bowl XLVIII.
As one of the most well-respected mentors and workers in football, "T-Jack" was remembered across social media after last night's tragedy.
Former #Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson died last night in a car accident in Alabama, a spokesperson for his employer Tennessee State tells me. Jackson, 36, was TSU’s QB coach. Along with Seattle, he also played for the #Vikings and #Bills.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) 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
RIP Tavaris Jackson. TJack was one of the best teammates and friends. Drafted together in 06’ and he will be missed. #skol #tavarisjackson
— Chad Greenway (@chadgreenway52) April 13, 2020
T. Jack... Your impact will be missed greatly. Condolences to your family as well as the TSU family. 🙏🏿 https://t.co/4wabYD9hcX
— Takeo Spikes, M.B.A (@TakeoSpikes51) April 13, 2020
During 2 training camps I competed with Tarvaris Jackson for the starting spot with the @Vikings before Favre arrived both seasons.
For two guys fighting for the same job, we got along exceptionally well.
TJack loved his family and teammates, and they loved him back. RIP #7 pic.twitter.com/rD5zjpv2JG
— Sage Rosenfels (@SageRosenfels18) April 13, 2020
RIP to a Montgomery legend Tarvaris Jackson @CoachTJack7 Sad day in the city... pic.twitter.com/H0xBECiTRN
— Coach Reggie Jackson (@CoachJack10) April 13, 2020
When remembering Tarvaris Jackson today please remember him as “former Super Bowl Champion Tarvaris Jackson” and know he actually played in Super Bowl XLVIII (the only backup QB to actually play in a Super Bowl in the last 20 years) thank you and RIP
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) April 13, 2020
Rest in peace to a Super Bowl champion, leader and workhorse who truly was a diamond in the rough.
