https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32925482/vincent-jackson-died-chronic-alcohol-use-medical-examiner-says

Dec. 23, 2021

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Hillsborough County (Florida) Medical Examiner said
Wednesday that former NFL wide receiver Vincent Jackson died from
chronic alcohol use and that the manner of his February death was "natural."

The medical examiner's release comes days after the Concussion Legacy
Foundation said Jackson was diagnosed with Stage 2 chronic traumatic
encephalopathy (CTE), the progressive brain disease associated with
repeated head trauma.

Jackson was found dead at the Homewood Suites in Brandon, Florida, after
his family had reported him missing five days earlier and after
authorities had spoken with him as part of a welfare check. He was 38.

No cause of death was released at the time.

In the months leading up to his death, the former Buccaneers and
Chargers receiver suffered from depression, progressive memory loss,
mood swings, paranoia and extreme social isolation, all considered to be
symptoms of CTE.

The autopsy report revealed that Jackson suffered from alcoholic
cardiomyopathy, hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, esophageal varices,
ascites, jaundice, remote pancreatitis, renal failure and hyponatremia
dehydration, cardiovascular disease and intoxication by ethyl alcohol --
all consistent with chronic alcohol use. The medical examiner found that
he had a blood alcohol content of 0.28%.

Jackson had no alcohol-related incidents with the Buccaneers, but during
the early part of his career while with the Chargers he was arrested
twice on suspicion of DUI (2006, 2009) and was suspended for the first
three games of the 2010 season as a result.

The autopsy report also noted Jackson suffered from Stage 2 CTE (Stage 4
being the most severe). CTE only can be diagnosed posthumously through a
special autopsy. Jackson's family donated his brain to Boston
University's CTE Center in hopes that other families could be helped by
what its researchers find.

A three-time Pro Bowler, Jackson reached the 1,000-yard mark six times
in his 12-year NFL career, finishing with 540 catches, 9,080 receiving
yards and 57 touchdowns.

His work off the field, particularly during the latter part of his
career, garnered attention.

With his wife Lindsey, he founded the Jackson in Action 83 Foundation to
assist military families, and they authored three children's books
together. Jackson graduated with a degree in business management from
the University of South Florida in 2016 and had opened five restaurants
in San Diego, Las Vegas and Tampa.