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The Chargers drafted Jackson in the second round in 2005, and after an injury-filled rookie year, he quickly became a mainstay of the team’s first offense. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2009, 2011 and again in 2012, his first season with the Buccaneers. He still holds the Buccaneers record for most receiving yards in a game, 216.
During his NFL career, he caught 57 touchdowns and had six seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards.
According to NFL.com, Jackson was arrested twice, in 2006 and again in 2009, for driving under the influence. After the second arrest, he was sentenced to four days in prison and five years probation and was suspended by the league for three games.
Hall of Fame wide receiver James Lofton coached Jackson in San Diego and remembered Jackson as exceptionally bright and motivated. He recalled, too, when Jackson called him at 4:15 a.m. to apologize for his arrest in 2006.
“We are part of society, and the same evils that people in society draw to us too,” Lofton said of NFL players. “He just didn’t look like the person who would have died tragically.”
Greg Camarillo, a former NFL wide receiver, was roommate with Jackson at Chargers training camp in 2005 and now has a student support role in the University of San Diego track department. Camarillo said he was shaken by Jackson’s death and posted on Twitter several messages Monday on the difficulties of retired professional football players.
Many players, Camarillo said, find it difficult to cope after leaving the NFL because they lose their identity and find it difficult to navigate their way without it.
“It could happen to me or any former player,” Camarillo said in a telephone interview Thursday. “Vince is not drastically different from anyone, including me.
Gillian R. Brassil contributed reporting.
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