Former Ravens wide receiver Michael Jackson was killed in a motorcycle crash in Louisiana early Friday morning.
The organization has confirmed the 48-year-old’s death, which was first reported by TMZ. According to Louisiana State Police, Jackson was killed in his hometown of Tangipahoa, where he served as mayor from 2009-13. Police say he was riding at a high rate of speed when his 2013 Kawasaki struck a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu backing into a road from a parking space, a collision that killed both drivers.
Jackson was one of the first standout performers for the Ravens when they arrived in Baltimore in 1996. In that inaugural season, the 6-foot-4 wideout caught 76 passes for 1,201 yards and 14 touchdowns, setting franchise single-season records in receiving yards and touchdown receptions that still stand today.
“Today, our hearts are saddened by the awful news involving Michael,” general manager Ozzie Newsome said in a statement released by the Ravens. “He was a vibrant person who became one of the first Ravens heroes and a popular player among Baltimore fans. Well known for his big smile and welcoming nature, it was easy to feel a special connection with Michael.”
In his three years with the Ravens, Jackson amassed 183 receptions for 2,596 yards and 18 touchdowns. The 1991 sixth-round pick of the Cleveland Browns retired from the NFL after his final season with Baltimore in 1998.
A Southern Mississippi product and a college teammate of Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre, Jackson caught 353 passes for 5,393 yards and 46 touchdowns in eight NFL seasons.
Ozzie Newsome's statement on former #Ravens wide receiver Michael Jackson, who was killed in a motorcycle crash in Louisiana this morning: pic.twitter.com/s7lRbDHc6U
— Luke Jones (@BaltimoreLuke) May 12, 2017
