Ebbony Jackson could hardly believe the sight of a tumbleweed tumbling across a cracked road in the desert as she arrived at Arizona Western College. It was a stark symbol of the new, isolated environment her son Khyree was about to enter. Driving three hours east from San Diego, her anxiety only deepened with each passing mile and sight of the arid landscape. Was her 17-year-old son, driven by dreams of football glory, truly ready for this?

Khyree Jackson’s journey from a promising high school wide receiver at Wise High School in Maryland to an NFL draft pick is nothing short of cinematic. With 12 touchdowns in his senior year tarnished by poor grades, his path to college football was not the typical recruitment story. His academic challenges redirected him to junior colleges, the first stop being in Yuma, Arizona.

The journey was tough. Ebbony cried when they left Khyree at college, overwhelmed by doubt and concern. Khyree’s calls home in the following weeks did little to ease her worries; his voice was reserved, a stark contrast to his usual confident demeanor. It seemed inevitable that he would soon quit, a fear momentarily paused by motivational gifts like Kevin Hart’s autobiography. Yet, the call came – Khyree was done. Or so it seemed.

Football seemed to be in Khyree’s past, yet his story was far from over. His road through sports led him to three junior colleges and then to prestigious football programs at Alabama and Oregon. Along the way, he worked jobs ranging from a custodian at Six Flags to a Chipotle employee, even becoming employee of the month at a local Harris Teeter.

However, his passion for football reignited when a coach from Fort Scott Community College saw potential in him not just as a player, but as a person. Khyree transferred there and, after a stint, asked to switch from receiver to cornerback, believing it was his true calling. His coaches, skeptical at first, gave him a chance to prove himself – and he did not disappoint.

Khyree’s talent eventually caught the attention of top college programs. After transferring to East Mississippi Community College, known from Netflix’s “Last Chance U,” his skills flourished under the guidance of Coach Buddy Stephens. His prowess on the field led him to a Zoom call with Nick Saban of Alabama, a pivotal moment that boosted his confidence and solidified his future in football.

Now, as a fourth-round pick for the Minnesota Vikings in the 2024 NFL Draft, Khyree’s unconventional route to the NFL stands as a testament to resilience and determination. His story is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports careers and the importance of perseverance.

Khyree Jackson’s journey from the dusty fields of junior colleges to the bright lights of the NFL draft stage is more than a sports story; it’s a narrative of personal growth, family support, and the relentless pursuit of dreams against all odds.