Jacoby Jones, a former NFL wide receiver and Super Bowl champion has passed away at the age of 40. Jones, who played for the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans, died overnight in his Houston-area home, according to multiple reports.
The NFL Players Association released a statement on behalf of Jones’ family, confirming his death and expressing sadness for the loss. “Jacoby had the unique ability to connect with everyone he encountered. His charisma, joy and love created a one-of-a-kind presence that could light up any room or brighten any dark day,” the statement read.
Jones was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, and attended Lane College in Tennessee. He played in the NFL for nine seasons, spending his first five with the Houston Texans before signing with the Ravens in 2012. Jones had a standout season in his first year in Baltimore, being named First Team All-Pro and heading to the Pro Bowl during the Ravens’ championship-winning 2012 season.
During the run-up to Baltimore’s Super Bowl XLVII victory, Jones caught what is now known as the “Mile High Miracle,” a 70-yard touchdown from quarterback Joe Flacco in the final minute of the AFC divisional game against the Denver Broncos. The touchdown forced the game into double overtime, where a game-winning touchdown sent the Ravens to the AFC championship game. Jones then scored two touchdowns, including a 108-yard kick return, during the Super Bowl to give Baltimore a 34-31 win over the San Francisco 49ers.
The Ravens posted a tribute to Jones on Sunday, writing in a statement that “Jacoby had the unique ability to connect with everyone he encountered. His charisma, joy and love created a one-of-a-kind presence that could light up any room or brighten any dark day.” The team also included a statement from head coach John Harbaugh, who coached Jones during his three years in Baltimore. “His spirit, enthusiasm and love for people were powerful. He was a light,” Harbaugh wrote.
The Texans also paid tribute to Jones, extending thoughts and prayers to his family. Some of Jones’ former teammates, including Texans legend JJ Watt and former Ravens teammates Ray Lewis and Anquan Boldin, also honored Jones on social media.
Current Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson also honored Jones in a post, saying “Jacoby Jones was a leader on and off the field. He exemplified grace under pressure and elevated our beloved Ravens. He was dedicated to lifting our young people, and coaching at Calvert Hall HS and Morgan State. We will miss Jacoby dearly and our hearts are with the Jones family.”
As news of Jones’ passing spread, tributes poured in from around the NFL and beyond. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin were among those who paid their respects to Jones.
Jones stayed with the Ravens through three seasons before finishing out his career with brief stints with the San Diego Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers. In September 2017, Jones signed a one-day contract with Baltimore so that he could officially retire as a Raven.
