The NFL world was thrown for a loop and saddened back in Februay with the news of three-time Pro Bowler Vincent Jackson passing away at the young age of 38.
Jackson was found dead in his Brandon, Florida, home on February 15. At the time, no foul play was suspected.
We now have more harrowing news to report on this front. According to the Hillsborough County (Florida) Medical Examiner, Vincent Jackson died of chrosnic alcohol use.
“The autopsy report revealed that Jackson suffered from alcoholic cardiomyopathy, hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, esophageal varices, ascites, jaundice, remote pancreatitis, renal failure and hyponatremia dehydration, cardiovascular disease and intoxication by ethyl alcohol — all consistent with chronic alcohol use. The medical examiner found that he had a blood-alcohol content of 0.28%,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted.
A pillar in his community and true team player during a brilliant career that spanned seven seasons with the then-San Diego Chargers and another five with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, there was no sign of alcohol abuse during Jackson’s playing days.
Vincent Jackson had Stage 2 CTE
It was reported shortly following his death that Jackson suffered from Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive brain condition that is caused from repeated blows to the head. Said disease impacts an individuals’ mood and thought process. Multiple former NFL players have been diagnosed with CTE post-mortem.
Jackson’s own autopsy revealed that he had Stage 2 CTE with Stage 4 being the most servere. Since then, his family opted to donate his brain to Boston University’s CTE Center to help with research.
A second-round pick of the Chargers back in 2005 out of Northern Colorado, Jackson finished his NFL career having caught 540 passes for 9,080 yards and 57 touchdowns. He tallied six career 1,000-yard seasons in a career that finished up back in 2016 with the Bucs.