View source for Vincent Jackson

{{Short description|American football player (1983–2021)}}
{{about|the American football player|the Irish politician|Vincent Jackson (politician)}}
{{Use American English|date=February 2021}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name        = Vincent Jackson
| image       = Vincent Jackson 2012.JPG
| image_size  =
| alt         = 
| caption     = Jackson with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2012
| number      = 83
| position    = [[Wide receiver]]
| birth_date  = {{Birth date|1983|1|14}}
| birth_place = [[Colorado Springs, Colorado]], U.S.
| death_date  = {{Death date and age|2021|2|15|1983|1|14}}
| death_place = [[Brandon, Florida]], U.S.
| height_ft   = 6
| height_in   = 5
| weight_lb   = 230
| high_school = [[Widefield High School|Widefield]]<br>(Colorado Springs, Colorado)
| college     = [[Northern Colorado Bears football|Northern Colorado]] (2001–2004)
| draftyear   = 2005
| draftround  = 2
| draftpick   = 61
| pastteams   =
* [[San Diego Chargers]] ({{NFL Year|2005|2011}})
* [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] ({{NFL Year|2012|2016}})
| highlights  =
* 3× [[Pro Bowl]] ([[2010 Pro Bowl|2009]], [[2012 Pro Bowl|2011]], [[2013 Pro Bowl|2012]])
| statlabel1  = [[Reception (gridiron football)|Receptions]]
| statvalue1  = 540
| statlabel2  = Receiving yards
| statvalue2  = 9,080
| statlabel3  = Receiving [[touchdown]]s
| statvalue3  = 57
| pfr         = J/JackVi00 
}}

'''Vincent Terrell Jackson'''<ref name="DENVERPOST">{{cite web | title=Jackson charges into NFL | work= [[The Denver Post]] | url=http://www.denverpost.com/2005/04/23/jackson-charges-into-nfl/ |first=Adrian|last=Dater|date=April 23, 2005|access-date=April 23, 2005}}</ref><ref name="SD-NEWS">{{cite news |url=http://www.10news.com/news/chargers-wr-pleads-not-guilty-to-dui-charges |title=Chargers WR Pleads Not Guilty To DUI Charges |publisher=[[KGTV]] |access-date=March 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807023114/http://www.10news.com/news/chargers-wr-pleads-not-guilty-to-dui-charges |archive-date=August 7, 2017 }}</ref><ref name="MON">{{cite web | title= Profile | work= rostermon.com | url= http://www.rostermon.com/player/1892/ | access-date= July 15, 2016 | archive-date= August 7, 2017 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170807030149/http://www.rostermon.com/player/1892/ | url-status= dead }}</ref> (January 14, 1983 – February 15, 2021) was an American professional [[American football|football]] [[wide receiver]] who played for 12 seasons in the [[National Football League]] (NFL). He played [[college football]] for the [[Northern Colorado Bears football|Northern Colorado Bears]] and was selected by the [[San Diego Chargers]] in the second round of the [[2005 NFL draft]]. Jackson also played for the [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]]. He was selected to the [[Pro Bowl]] thrice and exceeded 1,000 receiving yards six times in his career. Jackson died in 2021, with the official cause of his death reported as chronic alcohol abuse. An autopsy found Stage 2 [[List of NFL players with chronic traumatic encephalopathy|chronic traumatic encephalopathy]] in his brain.

== Early life ==
Jackson attended [[Widefield High School]] in [[Security, Colorado|Colorado Springs, Colorado]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Former NFL receiver and Widefield High School alum Vincent Jackson found dead |url=https://www.kktv.com/2021/02/15/former-nfl-receiver-and-widefield-high-school-alum-vincent-jackson-found-dead/ |website=Kktv.com |date=February 15, 2021 |access-date=February 16, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> As a senior, he was a ''[[Rocky Mountain News]]'' All-State Honorable Mention, a first-team all-area pick, and a first-team all-conference pick.<ref name="kmgh">{{cite web |title=Former Widefield High, UNC standout Vincent Jackson found dead in Florida hotel room |url=https://www.thedenverchannel.com/sports/former-widefield-high-unc-standout-vincent-jackson-found-dead-in-florida-hotel-room |website=KMGH |access-date=February 16, 2021 |language=en |date=February 15, 2021}}</ref> He also was a standout in [[basketball]].<ref name="kmgh"/> A straight-A student in high school, Jackson was accepted to [[Columbia University]], but decided to attend the [[University of Northern Colorado]] on a partial scholarship to play both basketball and football.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/sdut-jackson-looks-forward-future-bolts-2011aug19-story.html|title=Jackson looks forward to future with Bolts|work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]|first=Kevin|last=Acee|date=August 19, 2011|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=March 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322074720/https://www.baltimoresun.com/sdut-jackson-looks-forward-future-bolts-2011aug19-story.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== College career ==
Jackson enrolled at the [[University of Northern Colorado]] and played for the [[Northern Colorado Bears football]]<ref name="kmgh" /> team from 2001 to 2004 <ref name = "UNC records">{{cite web|title=Northern Colorado Record Book |url=http://uncbears.com/documents/2015/8/26/Career_FB_Records2014.pdf|publisher=Northern Colorado Bears Athletics|access-date=September 4, 2015 |date=December 2014}}</ref> UNC was one of the few colleges that recruited Jackson out of high school.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}} One of the few true freshmen to ever play for Northern Colorado, Jackson earned All-American honors as a punt returner, scoring the first time he ever touched a ball on a punt return against [[Adams State College]].<ref name="kmgh" /> He became Northern Colorado's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards (game & season), kick return yards, punt return yards, and receiving touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kerr |first=Jeff |date=February 15, 2021 |title=Vincent Jackson, former Chargers and Buccaneers wide receiver, found dead at 38 |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/vincent-jackson-former-chargers-and-buccaneers-wide-receiver-found-dead-at-38/ |access-date=February 16, 2021 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}</ref> His senior season was highlighted by a 13-catch, 249-yard, three-touchdown effort against [[Florida Atlantic]].{{citation needed|date=February 2021}} Jackson is the all-time career record holder in receiving yards and yards per catch among various other, game, season, and career records.<ref name = "UNC records" /> 
Jackson also started for Northern Colorado in basketball,<ref name=autogenerated1>{{Cite web|url=http://www.buccaneers.com/team/roster/vincent-jackson/6ac93195-bd4b-4adb-ba7e-6709230ba9a7/|title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Vincent Jackson<!-- Bot generated title -->|website=Buccaneers.com|access-date=May 10, 2023|archive-date=May 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510061803/http://www.buccaneers.com/team/roster/vincent-jackson/6ac93195-bd4b-4adb-ba7e-6709230ba9a7/|url-status=dead}}</ref> playing for two seasons at UNC and leading the team in scoring both years.<ref>{{cite web |title=Northern Colorado Mourns Loss of Vincent Jackson|url=https://uncbears.com/news/2021/2/17/football-northern-colorado-mourns-loss-of-vincent-jackson.aspx |website=uncbears.com |date=February 17, 2021 |access-date=February 19, 2021 |language=en}}</ref>

== Professional career ==
{{NFL predraft
| height ft    = 6
| height in    = 4 3/4
| weight       = 241
| arm span     = 32 3/4
| hand span    = 9 5/8
| dash         = 4.51
| ten split    = 1.57
| twenty split = 2.58
| shuttle      = 4.00
| cone drill   = 6.84
| vertical     = 39
| broad ft     = 10
| broad in     = 9
| bench        = 23
| wonderlic    = 
| note         = Bench press, broad jump, 20-yard shuttle, and three-cone drill values from [[Pro Day]].<ref name="NFLDS">{{cite news |title=Vincent Jackson, DS #14 WR, Northern Colorado |url=http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=54172&draftyear=2005&genpos=WR |website=NFLDraftScout.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304210522/http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=54172&draftyear=2005&genpos=WR |archive-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Brandt, Gil |title=Gil Brandt's NFL Draft Analysis By Position: Wide Receivers |url=http://www.packers.com/news/stories/2005/04/19/2/ |website=Packers.com |date=April 19, 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929121141/http://www.packers.com/news/stories/2005/04/19/2/ |archive-date=September 29, 2007}}</ref> All other values from [[NFL Combine]].<ref name="NFLDS"/><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://nflcombineresults.com/playerpage.php?i=7155 |title=Vincent Jackson, Combine Results, WR - Northern Colorado |website=nflcombineresults.com |access-date=January 1, 2023}}</ref>
}}

=== San Diego Chargers ===
==== 2005 season ====

Jackson was selected in the second round (61st overall) of the [[2005 NFL draft]] (the highest ever by a Northern Colorado graduate) by the [[San Diego Chargers]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2005 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2005/draft.htm |access-date=May 7, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

Jackson got off to a slow start in [[2005 NFL season|2005]] due to injuries.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}} He was inactive for the first five games of the season and finally saw his first NFL action in an October 16 game against the [[Oakland Raiders]].<ref name="2005log">{{cite web |title=Vincent Jackson 2005 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JackVi00/gamelog/2005/ |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |access-date=February 16, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> Jackson caught his first pass on November 6 against the [[New York Jets]], but he would only catch two more passes for the rest of the season.<ref name="2005log" />

==== 2006 season ====
Jackson caught his first NFL touchdown on September 17, 2006, in a victory over the [[Tennessee Titans]].<ref name="2006log">{{cite web |title=Vincent Jackson 2006 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JackVi00/gamelog/2006/ |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |access-date=February 16, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> In the [[2006 San Diego Chargers season|Chargers]]' [[Christmas Eve]] game against the [[2006 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]], Jackson had a memorable touchdown catch that led the Chargers to victory. With 29 seconds left, [[quarterback]] [[Philip Rivers]] threw a touchdown pass to Jackson and the Chargers ended up winning the game 20–17 and setting a franchise record for wins.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Johns |first1=Greg |title=Seahawks' current fortunes a far cry from years past |url=https://tdn.com/sports/seahawks-current-fortunes-a-far-cry-from-years-past/article_c4d7e022-b4ff-5fe9-8fba-ea285b8e497c.html |website=Longview Daily News |access-date=February 16, 2021 |language=en |date=December 27, 2006}}</ref> Jackson ended the season strongly and finished second on the team with six touchdown catches.<ref name="2006log" />

In a 2006 game against the [[Oakland Raiders]], Jackson nearly made one of the most bizarre turnovers in recent NFL history.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}} After making a 13-yard catch on fourth down, Jackson immediately got up and spun the ball forward in celebration. Because Jackson had fallen on his own and was not tackled, Raiders [[cornerback]] [[Fabian Washington]] believed it to be a [[fumble]] and leapt upon the ball. Possession was originally awarded to Oakland, but the Chargers were then flagged for an illegal [[forward pass]] and allowed to keep the ball.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Barber |first1=Phil |title=Fumble-turned-pass leaves Raiders fuming about loss in San Diego |url=https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/fumble-turned-pass-leaves-raiders-fuming-about-loss-in-san-diego/ |website=Santa Rosa Press Democrat |access-date=February 16, 2021 |date=November 27, 2006}}</ref>

==== 2007 season ====
By virtue of the release of [[Keenan McCardell]] and an injury to [[Eric Parker (American football)|Eric Parker]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Keenan McCardell Stats, Profile, Bio, Analysis and More {{!}} {{!}} The Sports Forecaster |url=http://www.sportsforecaster.com/nfl/player/1010/trans |website=sportsforecaster.com |access-date=February 16, 2021 |language=en }}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Kimbarow |first1=Morgan |title=Eric Parker: Remebering [sic] a Forgotten Charger |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/154477-eric-parker-remebering-a-forgotten-charger |website=Bleacher Report |access-date=February 16, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> Jackson entered the [[2007 San Diego Chargers season|2007 season]] as a [[Starting lineup|starting]] wide receiver for the Chargers.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}} He started the season in an unmemorable fashion in a home game against the [[Chicago Bears]] by dropping a sure touchdown that bounced off his chest in the end zone.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}} However, by the end of the season, Jackson had distinguished himself as a top target for Chargers quarterback [[Philip Rivers]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Vincent Jackson 2007 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JackVi00/gamelog/2007/ |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |access-date=February 16, 2021 |language=en}}</ref>

==== 2008 season ====
In the [[2008 San Diego Chargers season|2008 season]], Jackson had a career season with 59 receptions, seven touchdowns, and 1,098 yards.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vincent Jackson 2008 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JackVi00/gamelog/2008/ |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |access-date=February 16, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> He became the first Chargers wide receiver to have 1,000 yards receiving since 2001.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stone |first1=Ken |title=Vincent Jackson Found Dead in Florida Hotel; Former San Diego Chargers Star |url=https://timesofsandiego.com/sports/2021/02/15/vincent-jackson-found-dead-in-florida-hotel-former-san-diego-chargers-star/ |website=Times of San Diego |access-date=February 16, 2021 |date=February 15, 2021}}</ref>

==== 2009 season ====
[[File:Vincent Jackson.JPG|thumbnail|Jackson in 2009|left]]
Jackson followed his strongest season as a pro with an even stronger one during the [[2009 San Diego Chargers season|2009 season]], when he finished with 68 receptions, and led the team in receiving with nine touchdowns and 1,167 yards.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vincent Jackson 2009 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JackVi00/gamelog/2009/ |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |access-date=February 16, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> During a January 17, 2010, divisional playoff game against the [[New York Jets]], Jackson made a 37-yard catch that was challenged by Jets head coach [[Rex Ryan]]. Jackson received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for kicking the challenge flag, which cost the Chargers 15 yards (the play was upheld).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2010/01/17/vincent-jackson-flagged-for-kicking-challenge-flag/|title=Vincent Jackson Flagged for Kicking Challenge Flag|date=January 17, 2010|access-date=January 17, 2010|archive-date=January 21, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100121133732/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2010/01/17/vincent-jackson-flagged-for-kicking-challenge-flag/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Jackson would finish the game with seven receptions for 111 yards, becoming the first receiver of the [[2009 NFL season]] to record a 100-yard game on the Jets All-Pro cornerback and future Buccaneer teammate [[Darrelle Revis]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Jets score two TDs in fourth quarter to advance to AFC title game |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=300117024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312195123/http://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=300117024 |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 12, 2017 |website=ESPN.com |access-date=February 16, 2021 |language=en |date=January 17, 2010}}</ref>

==== 2010 season ====
On March 2, 2010, Jackson faced arraignment for driving with a suspended license.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chargers' Jackson suspended three games by NFL for conduct |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/chargers-jackson-suspended-three-games-by-nfl-for-conduct-09000d5d818ed169 |website=NFL.com |access-date=February 16, 2021}}</ref> He was handcuffed briefly and had his car impounded following a traffic stop just a few hours before the Chargers' playoff loss to the [[New York Jets]].{{citation needed|date=February 2021}} Jackson was pulled over for playing loud music.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chargers' Jackson cited for suspended license |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/playoffs/2009/news/story?id=4837493 |website=ESPN.com |access-date=February 16, 2021 |language=en |date=January 19, 2010}}</ref> He was cited for driving with a suspended license and expired tags.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3814251|title=Jackson arrested on DUI charge|work=[[ESPN]]|author=[[Associated Press]]|date=January 6, 2009|access-date=March 2, 2010}}</ref>

Jackson was selected to his first [[2010 Pro Bowl|Pro Bowl]] during the [[2009 NFL season]] as an alternate.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pats could be after WR Vincent Jackson |url=https://www.4for4.com/news/pats-could-be-after-wr-vincent-jackson |website=4for4.com |access-date=February 16, 2021}}</ref> Jackson had a strong showing in his first Pro Bowl appearance, racking up seven receptions for 122 yards, including a 48-yard catch and run for a touchdown.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sdut-alternate-plan-pays-dividends-for-afc-2010feb01-story.html|title=Chargers WR Jackson shines in first Pro Bowl|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|first=Kevin|last=Acee|date=February 1, 2010|access-date=February 2, 2010}}</ref>

On July 1, 2010, it was announced that Jackson had been suspended for three games for violating the league's personal conduct policy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/feed/2010-09/vincent-jackson/story/deadline-for-chargers-vincent-jackson-draws-near|title=Deadline for Chargers, Vincent Jackson draws near|work=Sporting News|date=September 22, 2010|access-date=September 23, 2010|archive-date=September 25, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100925035444/http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/feed/2010-09/vincent-jackson/story/deadline-for-chargers-vincent-jackson-draws-near|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/chargers-jackson-suspended-three-games-by-nfl-for-conduct-09000d5d818ed169|title=Chargers' Jackson suspended three games by NFL for conduct|work=[[NFL]]|date=July 1, 2010|access-date=July 2, 2010}}</ref>

Following a contract dispute, Jackson returned in week 11 of the [[2010 NFL season]] after holding out the first 10 games. In week 15 against the [[San Francisco 49ers]], Jackson had a career-high three touchdowns and 112 yards en route to a 34–7 win.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chargers beat 49ers to stay alive in AFC West |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=301216024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230506165523/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=301216024 |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 6, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |access-date=February 16, 2021 |language=en |date=December 17, 2010}}</ref> He finished the season with 14 receptions and 248 yards.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/fantasy/12/17/fantasy-clicks/index.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101220071414/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/fantasy/12/17/fantasy-clicks/index.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=December 20, 2010 | work=CNN | title=Fantasy Clicks: Niners stumbling, sneaky benchwarmers, more | date=December 17, 2010}}</ref>

==== 2011 season ====
On February 15, 2011, the Chargers placed their [[franchise tag]] on Jackson.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=6124670|title=Chargers tag WR Vincent Jackson|work=[[ESPN]]|author=[[Associated Press]]|date=February 15, 2011|access-date=February 15, 2011}}</ref>

During the labor dispute between league owners and players following the end of the 2010 season, a lockout occurred from March 11 to July 25. Jackson was one of the 10 plaintiffs in the Brady antitrust lawsuit against the NFL,<ref>{{cite web |title=Former NFL receiver Vincent Jackson found dead in hotel room |url=https://ca.movies.yahoo.com/former-nfl-receiver-vincent-jackson-224705291.html |website=yahoo.com |access-date=February 16, 2021 |language=en-CA }}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> which included star players such as [[Tom Brady]], [[Peyton Manning]], [[Drew Brees]], and fellow 2010 holdout [[Logan Mankins]]. Initially, [[Adam Schefter]] of [[ESPN]] reported that Vincent Jackson wanted compensation in the form of $10 million or to become an unrestricted free agent when the lockout was over.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Philipse |first1=Sander |title=VJax will return in 2016 |url=https://www.bucsnation.com/2016/1/29/10870504/vincent-jackson-will-stay-a-buccaneers-at-nearly-10-million-for-2016 |website=Bucs Nation |access-date=February 16, 2021 |language=en |date=January 29, 2016}}</ref> Jackson denied reports that he had asked for compensation, but on July 23 Jackson released his claim in the Brady v. NFL lawsuit.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}} Jackson's decision to drop his alleged request of unrestricted free agency and/or monetary compensation helped expedite the completion of the new labor deal.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}} Jackson's Franchise Tag was held up under the new [[National Football League collective bargaining agreement|NFL CBA]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3202/vincent-jackson?rw=1|title=Vincent Jackson - Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 2013 Player Profile - Rotoworld.com|access-date=July 23, 2010}}</ref>

On July 29, 2011, the first day teams were permitted to sign non-rookie free agents, Jackson signed his one-year Franchise offer, thus remaining a Charger.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chargers.com/news/article-1/Chargers-bring-back-own-free-agents/f1526654-6ffb-4357-89ab-02ecba92a81f|title=Chargers bring back own free agents|work=[[San Diego Chargers]]|access-date=July 29, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805054051/http://www.chargers.com/news/article-1/Chargers-bring-back-own-free-agents/f1526654-6ffb-4357-89ab-02ecba92a81f}}</ref> Because of his contract holdout during the 2010 NFL season, Jackson received only $583,000 in compensation for playing in the final six games of the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/6804306/san-diego-chargers-vincent-jackson-sign-franchise-tender-agent-says|title=Vincent Jackson to sign tender|work=[[ESPN]]|author=ESPN.com news services|date=July 26, 2011|access-date=July 29, 2011}}</ref> For the 2011 season, under the franchise tag, Jackson received approximately $11.4 million, almost 20 times more than in the previous season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2011/7/26/2295238/vincent-jackson-to-sign-franchise-tag-on-friday-report-to-team|title=Vincent Jackson to Sign Franchise Tag on Friday, Report to Team|work=Bolts From The Blue|date=July 26, 2011|access-date=July 29, 2011}}</ref> In week nine, Jackson played a personal best of 141 yards and 3 touchdowns against the [[Green Bay Packers]].{{citation needed|date=February 2021}} He finished the season with totals of 60&nbsp;catches for 1,106&nbsp;yards and nine touchdowns.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vincent Jackson 2011 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JackVi00/gamelog/2011/ |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |access-date=February 16, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> He was named to the Pro Bowl as an alternate for [[Wes Welker]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Williamson |first=Bill |title=Two Chargers added to Pro Bowl team |date=January 23, 2011 |work=ESPN.com |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/52775/two-chargers-added-to-pro-bowl-team |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126082749/http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/52775/two-chargers-added-to-pro-bowl-team |archive-date=January 26, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Contract dispute ====
When the NFL's [[Collective Bargaining Agreement]] expired, Jackson became a [[Restricted Free Agent]] for an additional year, causing the Chargers to place a one-year, $3.2 million tender on him.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bucs sign WR Jackson to five-year, $55M deal |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7682606/2012-nfl-free-agency-tampa-bay-buccaneers-sign-vincent-jackson-five-year-55m-deal |website=ESPN.com |access-date=February 16, 2021 |language=en |date=March 13, 2012}}</ref> Seeking a long-term deal instead, Jackson held out of training camp. On June 15, 2010, the Chargers cut his tender to $583,000 for holding out, 110% of his salary for the 2009 NFL season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-jackson-mcneill-leave-deals-on-table-2010jun15-story.html|title=Jackson McNeill Leave Deals on Table|work=[[The San Diego Union-Tribune]]|first=Kevin|last=Acee|date=June 15, 2010|access-date=June 15, 2020}}</ref>

On August 20, 2010, the Chargers placed him on the Roster Exempt List, meaning that he would have to serve a three-game suspension once he had agreed to a contract.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.fftoolbox.com/football/nfl_news.cfm?news_id=1973 |title=Chargers place Vincent Jackson on roster exempt list |access-date=October 31, 2010 |archive-date=August 24, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100824214028/http://www.fftoolbox.com/football/nfl_news.cfm?news_id=1973 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The [[National Football League Players Association]] arranged a deal in which, if Jackson was traded by the Chargers by 4 PM on September 22, he would have instead been placed on the Commissioner Exempt List, rolling six games of suspensions (three for pleading guilty to drunk driving and three for being placed on the roster exempt list) into four. No deal materialized.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/vincent-jackson-trade-hits-dead-end/|title=Vincent Jackson trade hits dead end|work=[[CBS News]]|date=September 22, 2010|access-date=September 23, 2010}}</ref> The agreement also stipulated that he could be traded two days before the NFL trade deadline, but once again no deal materialized in that time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/afcwest/post/_/id/18958/no-vincent-jackson-trade|title=No Vincent Jackson Trade|work=[[ESPN]]|first=Bill|last=Williamson|date=October 19, 2010|access-date=October 19, 2010}}</ref> On October 29, 2010, Jackson ended his hold-out and signed the one-year tender. The deadline to sign and accrue a full season, so that he would be an unrestricted free agent in 2011, was October 30, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbs8.com/article/sports/nfl/chargers/jackson-reports-to-chargers-signs-tender/509-e8ff2f13-a5c2-44c7-9672-ca0e92c68195|title=Jackson reports to Chargers, signs tender|work=[[KFMB-TV]]|date=October 29, 2010|access-date=October 30, 2010}}</ref>

=== Tampa Bay Buccaneers ===
==== 2012 season ====
On March 13, 2012, Jackson signed a five-year, $55.55 million contract with the [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Bucs make huge splash in free agency |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/bucs-make-huge-splash-free-agency |website=RSN |date=March 15, 2012 |access-date=February 16, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> On September 7, Jackson was elected a team captain.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/freeman-jackson-mccoy-among-bucs-2012-team-captains-8186904|title=Freeman, Jackson, McCoy Among Bucs' 2012 Team Captains|work=[[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]]|date=September 7, 2012|access-date=September 7, 2012}}</ref>

On October 21 against the [[New Orleans Saints]], Jackson set multiple Buccaneer records, with the longest reception and longest play from scrimmage in Tampa Bay history (95 yards) and the most receiving yards in a single game (216 yards).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/vj-gone-hardwick-gets-3-year-deal-from-bolts-09000d5d82791b6b|title=VJ gone; Hardwick gets 3-year deal from Bolts|work=[[NFL]]|date=March 13, 2012|access-date=March 14, 2012}}</ref> Jackson was selected to his third Pro Bowl to replace the injured [[Calvin Johnson]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Vincent Jackson added to Pro Bowl|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/44296/vincent-jackson-added-to-pro-bowl |work=ESPN.com |publisher=ESPN |access-date=January 15, 2013 }}</ref>

Jackson finished the 2012 season with career-highs in receptions (72) and receiving yards (1,384).<ref>{{cite web |title=Vincent Jackson 2012 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JackVi00/gamelog/2012/ |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |access-date=February 16, 2021 |language=en}}</ref>

==== 2013 season ====
On September 5, 2013, Jackson was selected as one of the 2013 team captains.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bucsnation.com/2013/9/5/4698760/buccaneers-name-captains-josh-freeman-misses-out|title=Buccaneers name captains, Josh Freeman misses out|work=Bucs Nation|first=Sander|last=Philipse|date=September 5, 2013|access-date=September 6, 2013}}</ref>

On October 13, 2013, in a game against the [[2013 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]], Jackson caught his first touchdown since December 2012.<ref>{{cite web |title=Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2013 REG 6 – Game Center |url=https://www.nfl.com/games/eagles-at-buccaneers-2013-reg-6 |website=NFL.com |date=October 13, 2013 |access-date=February 16, 2021}}</ref> He finished the day with nine catches for 114 yards and two touchdowns.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}} The next week, against the Atlanta Falcons, Jackson again had multiple touchdowns while eclipsing the 100 yard mark.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3202/vincent-jackson|title=Vincent Jackson – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 2013 Player Profile|author=Rotoworld.com|access-date=October 13, 2013}}</ref> At the conclusion of a  4–12 season, Jackson proved to be one of the few bright spots on a football team in disarray, compiling 78 catches for 1,224 yards and seven touchdowns.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vincent Jackson 2013 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JackVi00/gamelog/2013/ |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |access-date=February 16, 2021 |language=en}}</ref>

==== 2014 season ====
The 2014 season saw declines in Jackson's catches and yards due to the emergence of rookie wide receiver [[Mike Evans (wide receiver)|Mike Evans]].{{citation needed|date=February 2021}} Jackson also was the center of trade rumors before the trade deadline but was ultimately not traded.<ref>{{cite web |title=Smith On Jackson Trade Rumor: "We Like Our Football Team We Have Now" |url=https://www.pewterreport.com/articles/smith-on-jackson-trade-rumor-we-like-our-football-team-we-have-now/ |website=Pewter Report |access-date=February 16, 2021 |date=October 20, 2014 |archive-date=January 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110175456/http://www.pewterreport.com/articles/smith-on-jackson-trade-rumor-we-like-our-football-team-we-have-now/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> He finished the 2014 season with over 1,000 yards for the sixth time in his career.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}} He and fellow receiver Mike Evans became the first Buccaneer duo to ever catch for over 1,000 yards.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}} In Week 12, Jackson surpassed 8,000 career receiving yards in a game against the [[2014 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Matt Forte scores 2 TDs as Bears spoil Lovie Smith's return to Chicago |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554333 |website=ESPN.com |access-date=February 16, 2021 |language=en}}</ref>

==== 2015 season ====
With the arrival of rookie quarterback [[Jameis Winston]] and new offensive coordinator [[Dirk Koetter]], Jackson's numbers saw further decline during the 2015 season, during which injuries and inconsistent play resulted in Jackson's fewest catches (33), yards (543), and touchdowns (3) since coming to Tampa.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vincent Jackson 2015 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JackVi00/gamelog/2015/ |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |access-date=February 16, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> On December 30, 2015, Jackson was placed on injured reserve, ending his season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/vincent-jackson-major-wright-head-to-ir-16605312|title=Vincent Jackson, Major Wright Head to IR|work=[[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]]|first=Scott|last=Smith|date=December 30, 2015|access-date=December 30, 2015}}</ref>

==== 2016 season ====
On October 18, 2016, Jackson was placed on injured reserve after suffering a knee injury during a Week 5 victory over the [[Carolina Panthers]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Vincent Jackson Forced to I.R.|url=http://www.buccaneers.com/news/article-smith/Donteea-Dye-Back-on-the-Active-Roster/402e790a-22ca-4fe4-92b9-7b7bab93c58d|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116191727/http://www.buccaneers.com/news/article-smith/Donteea-Dye-Back-on-the-Active-Roster/402e790a-22ca-4fe4-92b9-7b7bab93c58d|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 16, 2017|author=Smith, Scott|website=Buccaneers.com|date=October 18, 2016}}</ref>

===Retirement===
Jackson announced his retirement on May 17, 2018.<ref>{{cite web|title=Three-time Pro Bowl WR Vincent Jackson retires|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/23539556/veteran-nfl-receiver-vincent-jackson-officially-retires|author=Fowler, Jeremy|website=ESPN.com|date=May 18, 2018}}</ref>

==NFL career statistics==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan="2"| Legend
|-
| style="background:#cfecec;"|
| Led the league
|-
| '''Bold'''
| Career high
|}

=== Regular season ===
{| class=wikitable style="text-align:center;"
 ! rowspan=2|Year !! rowspan=2|Team !! colspan=2|Games !! colspan=5|Receiving !! colspan=5|Rushing
 ! colspan=2|Fumbles
|-
! GP !! GS !! Rec !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD !! Att !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD !! Fum !! Lost
|-
 ! [[2005 NFL season|2005]] !! [[2005 San Diego Chargers season|SD]]
| 8 || 0 || 3 || 59 || 19.7 || 21 || 0 || — || — || — || — || — || 0 || 0
|-
 ! [[2006 NFL season|2006]] !! [[2006 San Diego Chargers season|SD]]
| '''16''' || 7 || 27 || 453 || 16.8 || 55 || 6 || 3 || 16 || 5.3 || 8 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
 ! [[2007 NFL season|2007]] !! [[2007 San Diego Chargers season|SD]]
| '''16'''|| '''16''' || 41 || 623 || 15.2 || 45 || 3 || — || — || — || — || — || 0 || 0
|-
 ! [[2008 NFL season|2008]] !! [[2008 San Diego Chargers season|SD]]
| '''16'''|| '''16''' || 59 || 1,098 || 18.6 || 60 || 7 || '''4'''|| '''69'''|| '''17.3'''|| 31 || 0 || '''1'''|| '''1'''
|-
 ! [[2009 NFL season|2009]] !! [[2009 San Diego Chargers season|SD]]
| 15 || 15 || 68 || 1,167 || 17.2 || 55 || '''9'''|| 3 || 11 || 3.7 || 12 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
 ! [[2010 NFL season|2010]] !! [[2010 San Diego Chargers season|SD]]
| 5 || 5 || 14 || 248 || 17.7 || 58 || 3 || 1 || 14 ||	14.0 ||	14 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
 ! [[2011 NFL season|2011]] !! [[2011 San Diego Chargers season|SD]]
| '''16'''|| '''16''' || 60 || 1,106 || 18.4 || 58 || '''9''' || 3 || 51 || 17.0 || '''41'''|| 0 || 0 || 0
|-
 ! [[2012 NFL season|2012]] !! [[2012 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|TB]]
| '''16''' || '''16''' || 72 || '''1,384''' || style="background:#cfecec;"|'''19.2''' || style="background:#cfecec;"|'''95''' || 8 || — || — || — || — || — || 0 || 0
|-
 ! [[2013 NFL season|2013]] !! [[2013 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|TB]]
| '''16''' || '''16''' || '''78''' || 1,224 || 15.7 || 60 || 7 || 1 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || '''1'''|| 0
|-
! [[2014 NFL season|2014]] !! [[2014 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|TB]]
| '''16''' || '''16''' || 70 || 1,002 || 14.3 || 50 || 2 || 1 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || '''1'''|| '''1'''
|-
! [[2015 NFL season|2015]] !! [[2015 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|TB]]
| 10 || 9 || 33 || 543 || 16.5 || 36 || 3 || — || — || — || — || — || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2016 NFL season|2016]] !! [[2016 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|TB]]
| 5 || 5 || 15 || 173 || 11.5 || 18 || 0 || — || — || — || — || — || 0 || 0
|-
! colspan="2"| Total  || 155 || 137 || 540 || 9,080 ||	16.8 || 95 || 57 || 15 || 161 || 10.7 || 41 || 0 || 3 || 2
|-
| colspan=16|Source: [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JackVi00/gamelog/ Pro Football Reference]
|}

=== Postseason ===
{| class=wikitable style="text-align:center;"
 ! rowspan=2|Year !! rowspan=2|Team !! colspan=2|Games !! colspan=5|Receiving !! colspan=5|Rushing
 ! colspan=2|Fumbles
|-
! GP !! GS !! Rec !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD !! Att !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD !! Fum !! Lost
|-
 ! [[2006 NFL season|2006]] !! [[2006 San Diego Chargers season|SD]]
| 1 || 1 || 2 || 43 || 21.5 || 21 || 0 || — || — || — || — || — || 0 || 0
|-
 ! [[2007 NFL season|2007]] !! [[2007 San Diego Chargers season|SD]]
| '''3''' || '''3''' || '''18''' || '''300''' || 16.7 || 34 || '''2''' || — || — || — || — || — || 0 || 0
|-
 ! [[2008 NFL season|2008]] !! [[2008 San Diego Chargers season|SD]]
| 2 ||	2 || 2 || 49 || '''24.5''' || '''41''' || 1 || — || — || — || — || — || 0 || 0
|-
 ! [[2009 NFL season|2009]] !! [[2009 San Diego Chargers season|SD]]
| 1 || 1 || 7 || 111 || 15.9 || 37 || 0 || — || — || — || — || — || 0 || 0
|-
! colspan="2"| Total  || 7 || 7 || 29 || 503 ||	17.3 || 41 || 3 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
| colspan=16|Source: [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JackVi00/gamelog/ Pro Football Reference]
|}

===Buccaneers franchise records===
Jackson set Buccaneers records for receiving yards in a single game (216) and the longest single reception (95 yards) during Tampa Bay's October 21, 2012, game against the New Orleans Saints.<ref name="hcso">{{cite web |title=HCSO: Former Tampa Bay Bucs player Vincent Jackson found deceased in Brandon hotel room |url=https://www.mysuncoast.com/2021/02/15/hcso-former-tampa-bay-bucs-player-vincent-jackson-found-deceased-brandon-hotel/ |website=mysuncoast.com |date=February 15, 2021 |access-date=February 16, 2021}}</ref>

== Personal life ==
[[File:Vincent Jackson, center, a wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, shakes hands with U.S. Service members after a visit sponsored by the USO at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 1 130301-M-KS710-074.jpg|thumbnail|Jackson, in 2013 during a visit at [[Camp Leatherneck]] in Afghanistan]]
Both of Jackson's parents served in the [[United States Armed Forces]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.vincenttjackson.com/the-person/ |title=The Person « Vincent Jackson &#124; Tampa Bay Buccaneers |access-date=October 14, 2013 |archive-date=October 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131009093432/http://www.vincenttjackson.com/the-person/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> He sponsored military families at every Buccaneers home game through the 'Jackson in Action' Front Row Fans section at [[Raymond James Stadium]].{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}

In November 2012, Jackson spoke to students at [[Northwest Elementary School|Northwest Elementary]] about the importance of physical fitness, helped present a $10,000 Play 60 grant, and led students through a physical education class to congratulate the winners of the Play 60 Super School contest.<ref name=autogenerated1 />

In 2016, Jackson graduated from the [[University of South Florida]] with a degree in Business Management.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usf.edu/business/news/articles/180906-conversation-jackson-vincent.aspx|title=FALL CONVERSATION WITH A CEO GUEST: VINCENT JACKSON, PRO FOOTBALL PLAYER/ENTREPRENEUR|work=[[University of South Florida]]|first=Keith|last=Morelli|date=September 6, 2018|access-date=September 6, 2018}}</ref>

==Death==
On February 15, 2021, Jackson was found dead by a housekeeper in a room at [[Homewood Suites]] near [[Brandon, Florida]]. There were no apparent signs of trauma.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wfla.com/sports/buccaneers/former-bucs-player-vincent-jackson-found-dead-in-brandon-hotel-room/|title=Former Bucs WR Vincent Jackson found dead in Brandon hotel room|work=[[WFLA-TV]]|author=WFLA 8 On Your Side Staff|date=February 15, 2021|access-date=February 15, 2021}}</ref> Two days later, the sheriff of [[Hillsborough County, Florida|Hillsborough County]] announced that Jackson's family said he may have suffered from chronic [[alcoholism]], which contributed to his death. He also stated that they believed he suffered from the brain disease [[chronic traumatic encephalopathy]] (CTE), which can only be confirmed after death from a [[biopsy]] of the brain.<ref>{{cite web |title=Autopsy report: Vincent Jackson suffered from chronic alcoholism |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/02/17/autopsy-report-vincent-jackson-suffered-from-chronic-alcoholism/ |website=NBCSports.com|date=February 17, 2021 }}</ref> The family responded that the sheriff did not speak on their behalf.<ref name=laine_02182021>{{cite news|first=Jenna|last=Laine|title=Sheriff: Vincent Jackson may have suffered from alcoholism, concussions; family says sheriff doesn't speak for them|date=February 18, 2021|website=Espn.com|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30918388/ex-wr-vincent-jackson-had-alcoholism-police-say|access-date=February 19, 2021}}</ref> They donated Jackson's brain to the [[Boston University CTE Center]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Jenna|last=Laine|title=Vincent Jackson's brain donated to Boston University's CTE Center; new details in death emerge|date=February 18, 2021|website=ESPN.com|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30926133/vincent-jackson-brain-donated-boston-university-cte-center-family-says|access-date=February 19, 2021}}</ref> His body was cremated after his family held a private funeral service.

Jackson's family confirmed on December 16, 2021, that researchers had discovered Stage 2 CTE in his brain.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 16, 2021 |title=Family of former Bucs WR Vincent Jackson says brain researchers diagnosed him with stage 2 CTE |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4184018/2021/12/16/family-of-former-bucs-wr-vincent-jackson-says-brain-researchers-diagnosed-him-with-stage-2-cte/ |access-date=December 16, 2021 |work=The Athletic}}</ref> He is one of at least 345 [[List of NFL players with chronic traumatic encephalopathy|NFL players to be diagnosed after death]] with this disease.<ref>{{cite web |title=Researchers Find CTE in 345 of 376 Former NFL Players Studied |url=https://www.bumc.bu.edu/busm/2023/02/06/researchers-find-cte-in-345-of-376-former-nfl-players-studied/ |website= Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine |access-date=March 26, 2023}}</ref> Six days later, the Hillsborough County Florida Medical Examiner concluded that official cause of Jackson's death was chronic alcohol use.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Laine |first=Jenna |date=December 22, 2021 |title=Vincent Jackson died from chronic alcohol use, medical examiner says |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32925482/vincent-jackson-died-chronic-alcohol-use-medical-examiner-says |access-date=December 22, 2021 |website=ESPN}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of NFL players with chronic traumatic encephalopathy]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
<!-- per [[WP:ELMINOFFICIAL]], choose one official website only -->
*{{Official website|http://www.jacksoninaction83.org/}}
*{{espn nfl|id=8475|name=Vincent Jackson}}

{{Chargers2005DraftPicks}}
{{Salute to Service Award winners}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Jackson, Vincent}}
[[Category:1983 births]]
[[Category:2021 deaths]]
[[Category:American Conference Pro Bowl players]]
[[Category:Players of American football with chronic traumatic encephalopathy]]
[[Category:American football wide receivers]]
[[Category:American men's basketball players]]
[[Category:Alcohol-related deaths in Florida]]
[[Category:Basketball players from Colorado Springs, Colorado]]
[[Category:National Conference Pro Bowl players]]
[[Category:Northern Colorado Bears football players]]
[[Category:Northern Colorado Bears men's basketball players]]
[[Category:Players of American football from Colorado Springs, Colorado]]
[[Category:San Diego Chargers players]]
[[Category:Tampa Bay Buccaneers players]]