More than 100 young athletes attended the sold-out event, which also launched a new driver safety campaign in Jackson’s memory.
BETHESDA, Md. — Nearly two years after the death of former Wise High School standout and Minnesota Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson, his family is ensuring his passion for giving back lives on.
The Khyree Jackson Foundation hosted its inaugural youth football camp Saturday at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, welcoming more than 100 young athletes from across the D.C., Maryland and Virginia region for a sold-out day focused on football, mentorship and community.
“The fact that we have over a hundred kids that came out — they could’ve chosen any other camp to sign up for, and we’re so thankful,” said Jackson’s mother, Ebbony Jackson.
The camp comes just days before the two-year anniversary of Jackson’s death. The former Minnesota Vikings rookie was killed in a July 2024 crash alongside his close friends and former Wise High School teammates, Isaiah Hazel and Anthony Lytton Jr.
Jackson’s parents said the event fulfills a vision their son often talked about before his death.
“It means everything to us because this is what he would want and something that we talked about,” said his father, Raymond Jackson.
Throughout the day, campers participated in football drills led by NFL players and local coaches. The Minnesota Vikings, Jackson’s former team, also donated football gear and sent players to support the event.
“He wanted to give back, give camps, and the fact that the Vikings and Vikings players are here to help out — they flew into town just to be here — it means everything to us,” Ebbony Jackson said.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner said continuing Jackson’s mission was an easy decision.
“I know he would be happy to have me here too, just giving back to the community, back to the kids and giving some knowledge out to the youth,” Turner said.
The Washington Commanders also partnered with the foundation to help make the camp possible.
“For the kids to come out here and just have fun, and see the bright eyes and know that their future is bright, we even have some girls flag football players, which is really big,” said former Commanders linebacker Rocky McIntosh. “This is tremendous.”
Beyond football, organizers used the event to launch the foundation’s “Drive for Khy” campaign, encouraging young drivers to sign a pledge promoting safe driving in memory of Jackson, Hazel and Lytton.
“Our goal is to be able to give back, to continue a dream and goal that Khyree had,” Ebbony Jackson said.
Raymond Jackson said seeing so many young athletes at the foundation’s first camp reinforced that his son’s impact continues to grow.
“It’s to keep his legacy alive. It’s in his honor and his name, so to have our first camp and this many kids out here, it’s a blessing,” he said.
Turner hopes the camp becomes a lasting tradition.
“The legacy continues to live forever, and I’m willing to be the person to help continue pushing that legacy on,” he said.
Click here for more on his foundation and how you can help.