Tarvaris Jackson (April 21, 1983 – April 12, 2020) was a professional American football player who played the quarterback position. He was born in Montgomery, Alabama and developed as a collegiate quarterback before entering the professional ranks.
Early life and college
Jackson attended college in the Southeastern United States, beginning his collegiate career with the Razorbacks at the University of Arkansas and later transferring to Alabama State, where he completed his college eligibility and drew attention from NFL scouts for his blend of arm strength and athleticism. His college years established the foundation for a professional career that would begin in the mid-2000s; his college experience is often summarized under the general heading of college football.
Professional career
Selected into the professional ranks, Jackson played in the National Football League over parts of several seasons, serving in both starting and backup roles. His most notable NFL affiliations included:
- Minnesota Vikings — the team that first brought him into the league and where he had extended playing opportunities.
- Seattle Seahawks — where he served as depth at quarterback and provided veteran experience.
- Buffalo Bills — another stop in his professional journey, adding to a career spent navigating starting chances and backup assignments.
Playing style and legacy
Throughout his career Jackson was noted for a combination of physical tools: a strong throwing arm and the mobility to extend plays. He alternated between starting and supporting roles, a path familiar to many NFL quarterbacks who provide teams with both immediate options and experienced depth. Teammates and observers often remembered him for his competitiveness and his perseverance in a demanding professional environment.
Death and remembrance
Tarvaris Jackson died on April 12, 2020 in a car accident in Pike Road, Alabama. He was 36. The news prompted reflections from former teams, teammates, and fans who recalled his on-field performances and his contributions to the programs and organizations he represented. For a concise overview of his career and public statements following his death, readers may consult contemporary reports and team releases.
For more detailed season-by-season statistics, game logs, or coaching roles that followed his playing career, see team histories and professional statistical archives that compile long-form career records and biographical timelines.