The Oregon Ducks football team gathered for a profound tribute on July 6, 2024, honoring two former teammates, tight end Spencer Webb and cornerback Khyree Jackson, who both tragically lost their lives. This annual hike, a tradition under head coach Dan Lanning, took the team up the Spencer Butte, a 1.7-mile trek leading to a peak of 2,000 feet that provides a stunning view of Autzen Stadium.
Webb’s passing occurred on July 13, 2022, following a cliff diving accident at Triangle Lake. Jackson, who met a similar fate when he was struck by a drunk driver, passed away two years later. The hike serves as a poignant reminder of their contributions to the Ducks and the bonds formed within the team.
During the hike, Lanning addressed the players, emphasizing the importance of remembering those who have been lost. “So look, we do this every single year,” he stated at the top of the butte. “We have a fallen brother. Spencer Webb. We have another fallen brother, Khyree Jackson, that don’t get to sit where you’re sitting right now. Part of this team, lost too soon.”
The hike not only honors the memories of Webb and Jackson but also marks the end of the summer training period for the team. Lanning encouraged the players to reflect on their accomplishments during the summer workouts while acknowledging the hard work still ahead. “You should have a sense of accomplishment. But you’ve also got to realize there’s more on that plate to eat and you want to finish the plate,” he added.
As the Ducks ascended the butte, players including wide receiver Jurrion Dickey and linebacker Bryce Boettcher took a moment to reflect on the significance of the occasion. This year, no current players have played alongside Webb or Jackson, as the last tight ends who shared the field with Webb graduated in 2023. Among them was Patrick Herbert, who honored Webb by changing his NFL number to 8, a tribute to his late teammate.
The emotional impact of the hike is felt not only by current players but also by alumni. Former Ducks wide receiver Traeshon Holden, now with the Dallas Cowboys, shared his grief on social media, writing, “1 year without you 5 I miss you so much.”
In the wake of Jackson’s death, the Khyree Jackson Foundation, established by his parents, has announced a scholarship program offering $1,000 to a senior student from Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Jackson’s alma mater. Meanwhile, Webb’s brother, Cody Webb, continues to honor his sibling’s legacy by hosting a football camp each July at Christian Brothers High School, where he reflects on the dreams Spencer had beyond the football field.
“You’re kind of reliving what his dreams were kind of outside of football,” Cody Webb told FOX 40 in Sacramento. “To help kids and things of that sort. So, to kind of keep that torch going on his behalf is a bit emotional, but it’s in a positive way.”
The annual hike embodies the spirit of remembrance and camaraderie within the Oregon Ducks football program, ensuring that the memories of Spencer Webb and Khyree Jackson continue to inspire future generations of athletes.
