The family of late wide receiver Vincent Jackson has told detectives they believe he suffered from chronic alcoholism and concussions, the Hillsborough County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office said in a statement Wednesday.
Jackson was found dead in a Brandon, Florida, hotel room Monday. He was 38. His death is being investigated by the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office along with the sheriff’s office.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said in its statement that it could take several weeks before it is determined what led to Jackson’s death, adding, “… the exact cause and manner of Mr. Jackson’s death will not be certain until his autopsy, among other reports, is complete.”
The sheriff’s office said there were no apparent signs of trauma when Jackson’s body was found Monday.
ESPN has attempted to contact Jackson’s family for comment.
According to staff at Homewood Suites, Jackson, who is a South Tampa resident, checked into the hotel Jan. 11 and had been staying in a room since that date.
Jackson’s family reported him missing last Wednesday and a formal report was filed Thursday, but police located Jackson at the Homewood Suites on Friday. The missing persons case was canceled after Jackson’s well-being was confirmed.
Jackson last played in the NFL in 2016 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team with which he spent the final five seasons of his career. He is ranked fourth in franchise history with 4,326 receiving yards and 10th with 268 receptions.
He played his first seven seasons with the Chargers, who selected him in the second round (61st overall) of the 2005 draft. He is tied for eighth in franchise history for touchdown receptions (37) and is 10th in receiving yards (4,754).
