Tarvaris Jackson, a native of Montgomery who played quarterback for 10 seasons in the NFL, died Sunday night in a car crash at the age of 36.
According to the Alabama News Network, Jackson was driving alone in his Chevrolet Camaro when the incident occurred. The vehicle was found off to the side of the road and flipped over after it had apparently struck a tree. Jackson was taken to a local hospital where the medical professionals declared him dead.
Jackson played 10 seasons in the NFL after being selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2006 draft. He received a Super Bowl ring for being the backup to starter Russell Wilson during the Seattle Superhawks’ 2014 championship.
Jackson graduated from Sidney Lanier High School in 2001, a public school in the southern part of Montgomery.
Jackson spent the first two years of his college career at the University of Arkansas where he struggled to find playing time after injuring himself during his freshman year season.
He transferred to Alabama State University in his native Montgomery before the 2003 season. At ASU, Jackson put up impressive numbers and was named team captain for his senior season.
After impressing Vikings staff with a strong performance at the NFL Combine, they selected him with the 64th pick in the 2006 NFL Draft.
Jackson spent five seasons with the Vikings, four with the Seahawks and one with the Buffalo Bills.
Both of Jackson’s career highlights were with the Seahawks. His best seasons as a starter was in 2011 when he threw for 3,091 yards and 14 touchdowns.
In 2014, after being relegated to Russell Wilson’s backup, Jackson became a Super Bowl champion when the Seahawks beat the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII. Jackson played in the game for one snap, becoming the only backup QB in the last 20 years to take a snap in the Super Bowl.
Jackson’s former NFL teammates were effusive in their affection for him on Monday after his death was reported by the media.
TJack… you will be missed. Praying for your family…Love you man. 💔
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) 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 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
Jackson had recently joined the coaching ranks, first at his alma-mater Alabama State, and most recently at Tennessee State.
He is survived by his wife and three children.
Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: henry@new-yhn.local or on Twitter @HenryThornton95
