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Former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Tarvaris Jackson died on Sunday night, at age-36.
According to Tennessee State University, where Jackson was the quarterbacks coach, the former NFL quarterback was killed in a car crash. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency told ESPN’s Courtney Cronin it was a single-vehicle crash in his native Alabama.
Jackson spent the first five years of his career in Minnesota with the Vikings, becoming their starter in 2007 before making way for Brett Favre. He would go on to sign with the Seahawks during the strike-shortened 2011 offseason, replacing long-time starter Matt Hasselbeck.
In the 2011 season, Jackson started 14 games and set career highs in yards, completions, and touchdowns, all while dealing with a torn pectoral. In 2012, Jackson was displaced by Russell Wilson and Matt Flynn, however, in 2013 he returned to Seattle as Wilson’s backup and played in parts of three regular season games and Super Bowl XLVIII. He would go on to serve as Wilson’s backup for two more seasons.
Wilson reacted to news of Jackson’s passing on social media, shortly after the story broke.
TJack... you will be missed. Praying for your family...Love you man.
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) April 13, 2020
Pete Carroll and the Seahawks also shared messages in the hours after Jackson’s death was reported.
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
The Seahawks are stunned and heartbroken to learn of the tragic passing of legend Tarvaris Jackson.
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) April 13, 2020
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
Our thoughts are with Jackson’s family.