WATCH: Kevin O’Connell Delivers Powerful Speech At Khyree Jackson’s Funeral

By Andrew Buller-Russ |

Updated: Jul 26, 2024

Khyree Jackson, Kevin O'Connell — Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

On Friday, several members of the Minnesota Vikings took a brief break from training camp to attend the funeral of teammate Khyree Jackson. This included Dallas Turner, who played with Jackson with the Alabama Crimson Tide. The service also featured head coach Kevin O’Connell, with assistant HC Mike Pettine taking over KOC’s duties at practice.

O’Connell’s presence at the funeral was a welcome one. The Vikings head coach even took the podium to share a few of his warmer memories of his time with the 24-year-old Maryland native. Included in his emotional speech was a previously unknown tidbit about Jackson’s drive and persistence.

Kevin O’Connell’s speech at Khyree Jackson funeral shows how much they both cared

According to Kevin O’Connell, Khyree Jackson had been battling a bit of a shoulder injury, but that wouldn’t stop him from competing anyway. Clearly, the young athlete wanted to show coaches and his teammates that he wouldn’t quit on them at the first sign of distress.

As expected, O’Connell can be heard choking up a bit as he did his best to hold back his emotions while getting through his speech. Here was a portion of O’Connell’s speech, which was captured by the local WCCO media team.

KO at Khyree Jackson Funereal: “He looked at me, and said, ‘Nope, I can play. I have to be out there with my brothers. I would rather do what I have to do and fight through it to be out there and try to help my team win.’”

🎥: @WCCO pic.twitter.com/z4LaUAEI4K
— VikingNations (@VikingNations) July 26, 2024

If it wasn’t clear before, O’Connell is a player’s coach, through and through. As a former NFL quarterback, he gets it.

In addition to O’Connell’s support, the Vikings will continue to honor Jackson’s memory in a number of ways. As mentioned, that includes new EDGE rusher Dallas Turner.

Dallas Turner put Khyree Jackson nameplate above his locker 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/KUBVk1OZJJ
— Alabama DieHards (@DiehardsAlabama) July 21, 2024

The Vikings will also hold a memorial service ahead of their first preseason matchup in which the organization is flying his family in to be a part of their presentation. Minnesota opens up its exhibition season on Saturday, August 10, against the Las Vegas Raiders.

The #Vikings will be holding a memorial service for the late Rookie CB Khyree Jackson before the first preseason game.

The team will also be flying his family in.

First class organization.

🎥@Vikings pic.twitter.com/zJaPwq1NYA
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) July 26, 2024

Lastly, here’s J.J. McCarthy taking time to say a few more words about Jackson and how the Vikings are dedicating their season to No. 31.