Kansas City Chiefs rookie linebacker Jeffrey Bassa announced the emotional significance of his jersey number during his rookie camp press conference last weekend.
“Yeah, 31. So the first reason was for my (Oregon) teammate, Khyree Jackson, who was on the Minnesota Vikings. He passed away and wore 31 when he was drafted to the Vikings last year. So, I wanted to honor him.” Bassa said. “But then, a little bit of reasoning is for my family as well. I’ve got three sisters, and I’m the only boy, so I kind of see the three and the one go hand in hand.”
Jackson was tragically killed last offseason in a car accident shortly after being drafted by the Minnesota Vikings. He was meant to wear 31 for the 2024 season, and in honor of his memory, the team didn’t allow anyone to choose the number.
“I just want to say rest in peace to my brother,” said Bassa, “Khyree Jackson, a guy who was very passionate for the game, A guy that I remember having a lot of conversations about life, and then, as well as him being hard on me and me being hard on him. So, yeah, I wanted to honor him, but then for my family as well.”
Jackson and Bassa’s bond will continue in spirit as he wears his number this season and carries on his legacy as a professional football player.
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Chiefs LB Jeffrey Bassa honors former college teammate Khyree Jackson
Kansas City Chiefs rookie linebacker Jeffrey Bassa announced the emotional significance of his jersey number during his rookie camp press conference last weekend.
“Yeah, 31. So the first reason was for my (Oregon) teammate, Khyree Jackson, who was on the Minnesota Vikings. He passed away and wore 31 when he was drafted to the Vikings last year. So, I wanted to honor him.” Bassa said. “But then, a little bit of reasoning is for my family as well. I’ve got three sisters, and I’m the only boy, so I kind of see the three and the one go hand in hand.”
Jackson was tragically killed last offseason in a car accident shortly after being drafted by the Minnesota Vikings. He was meant to wear 31 for the 2024 season, and in honor of his memory, the team didn’t allow anyone to choose the number.
“I just want to say rest in peace to my brother,” said Bassa, “Khyree Jackson, a guy who was very passionate for the game, A guy that I remember having a lot of conversations about life, and then, as well as him being hard on me and me being hard on him. So, yeah, I wanted to honor him, but then for my family as well.”
Jackson and Bassa’s bond will continue in spirit as he wears his number this season and carries on his legacy as a professional football player.
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Chiefs LB Jeffrey Bassa honors former college teammate Khyree Jackson
