Tarvaris Jackson died in a car accident in Alabama on Sunday night. The former NFL quarterback was 36. He is survived by his wife, Lakitta, and three children, Tarvaris, Takayla and Tyson.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport confirmed the tragic news through a spokesperson from Tennessee State University. Jackson served as the quarterbacks coach for Tennessee State’s football team last season, his first year with the program.
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
The Minnesota Vikings selected Jackson in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. Jackson made two starts for the Vikings in his rookie campaign and played for the Vikings for five seasons, ultimately starting 20 games and logging a 10-10 record. Jackson tallied 24 touchdowns and 22 interceptions from 2006-2010. He was the backup to Hall of Fame QB Brett Favre for the final two years of his Minnesota tenure.
After the Vikings declined to tender Jackson a contract offer, the signal-caller signed with the Seattle Seahawks in the summer of 2011. Jackson started 14 games for Seattle that season, winning seven while tossing 14 touchdowns against 13 interceptions.
Jackson never started another NFL game. The Seahawks traded him to the Buffalo Bills in 2012 for a conditional seventh-round draft selection. He did not see any game-action with the Bills, who ultimately cut him after just one year. Jackson returned to the Seahawks in free agency in 2013. He served as the team’s backup quarterback to Russell Wilson for the next three years and then retired at the conclusion of the 2015 season.
Jackson appeared in 59 regular-season games during his 10-year career, throwing 39 touchdowns and 35 interceptions. He also accumulated six rushing scores. Jackson made 34 career starts in the NFL, registering a 17-17 record.
Former Vikings/Seahawks/Bills QB Tarvaris Jackson has passed away at the age of 36. Here are some of the Montgomery, Alabama natives highlights during his 10 year career. #RIP pic.twitter.com/jggqzhDX8M
— Four Verts 🏈 (@FourVerticals_) April 13, 2020
To honor the late Jackson, let’s look back at the three best moments of the quarterback's career.
3. Super Bowl XLVII Champion
Jackson was a member of the Seahawks’ 2013 championship squad. He didn’t see the field much, appearing in just three games during garbage time and completing 10 of 13 passes for 151 yards and one touchdown. He did, however, close out the lopsided Super Bowl XLVII win.
The Seahawks bulldozed the Denver Broncos 43-8 in Super Bowl XLVII to secure their first title in franchise history. Jackson played the final series for the Seahawks in their onslaught, handing the ball off and throwing an incompletion.
Seattle returned to the Super Bowl the following season, but lost to the New England Patriots.
2. NFC Offensive Player of the Week
Jackson won the NFC Offensive Player of the Week during the tail end of the 2008 season. The then-Vikings quarterback captured the award in Week 15 of a blowout win over the Arizona Cardinals.
Jackson was the team’s starter for the first two games (both losses) in 2008 before being benched. He was thrust back into action after veteran quarterback Gus Frerotte hurt his back.
In Jackson’s first start since Week 2, the visiting Vikings crushed the first-place Cardinals. Jackson fired a career-high four touchdowns and posted a 135.5 passer rating.
Four different Vikings caught touchdown receptions. Jackson threw scores to wide receivers Bernard Berrian and Sidney Rice in the first quarter, connected with running back Chester Taylor for a touchdown in the second and tossed a 59-yard touchdown to wideout Bobby Wade in the third quarter.
This was a critical victory for the '08 Vikings, who improved to 9-5 and remained one game ahead of the Chicago Bears for first place in the NFC North.
1. Leads Vikings to Division-Clinching Win
Two weeks after seizing the NFC Offensive Player of the Week, Jackson was tasked with beating the New York Giants in Week 17. It was a win-and-you're-in game for the Vikings, who would clinch the North title with a victory. A loss meant the Bears would snag the divisional crown.
Jackson completed 16 of 26 passes for 239 yards with a touchdown and an interception. With the Vikings trailing 19-17 late in the fourth, Jackson led the offense 30 yards down the field on the final drive of the game. He set up kicker Ryan Longwell for a 50-yard field goal attempt, which he made as time expired.
Vikings History – "Win & You're In" #12; 12/28/2008. After 59 min & 55 seconds, MIN trailed the Giants in MIN 19-17. Peterson had 103 rush yards (67 yd TD). Berrian & Wade had 179 receiving yards. But, Ryan Longwell clinched the playoff berth with a 50 Yd FG @4thandLongwell pic.twitter.com/ZEQfAeVZMq
— VikeFans (@VikeFans) December 30, 2018
The Vikings clinched the NFC North in thrilling fashion with their 20-19 win, earning a postseason berth for the first time in four years. It was Minnesota’s first division title since 2000.
Jackson and the Vikings lost in the NFC Divisional Round the following week at home to the Philadelphia Eagles. Jackson completed 15 of 35 passes for 164 scoreless yards and one interception in the 26-14 defeat, the lone playoff start of his career.
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