Former NFL wide receiver Jacoby Jones died at the age of 40 on Sunday (July 14), ESPN reports. His cause of death is currently unknown.
Jones was a New Orleans, Louisiana, native who went to college a Lane before joining the Houston Texans in 2007. After four years, he moved to the Baltimore Ravens where he helped the team win Super Bowl XLVII. Jones set several records during the game, including the longest kickoff return with 108 yards (and longest play for the same) and most all-purpose yards in a Super Bowl with 288.
He also played for the San Diego Chargers, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Monterrey Steel. In 2017, he signed a one-day contract with the Ravens so that he could then retire, as a member of the team. He later returned to Lane College to work as a wide receivers coach as the start of his college staff coaching history.
In addition to playing professional football, Jones also starred in Season 16 of Dancing With the Stars, coming in third place in a partnership with Karina Smirnoff.
In a statement, the Ravens’ head coach John Harbaugh said of Jones, “I loved Jacoby Jones. We all did. His spirit, enthusiasm and love for people were powerful. He was a light. He was the cherished son of his loving mom, Ms. Emily. They were so close. He was a man of faith. My favorite football play was when Jacoby was talking to his mom in the end zone, just before a late-game kickoff return against the Vikings in a snowstorm shootout. Jacoby then raced to catch the ball and run it back for a touchdown. My favorite Jacoby personal moment was every time I saw his smiling face full of Joy. Rest in peace, Jacoby, in the arms of Jesus.”
“I loved Jacoby Jones. We all did. His spirit, enthusiasm and love for people were powerful. He was a light.” pic.twitter.com/lpMLRp3EDx
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) July 14, 2024
Additional tributes from his friends and former colleagues poured in on social media Sunday afternoon.
Jacoby was one of the most fun-loving teammates and people I’ve ever been around. Always dancing and laughing, with a permanent smile on his face.
Gone far, far too soon.
R.I.P Jacoby Jones.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 14, 2024
Prayers up for the family, friends and loved ones of Baltimore Ravens Legend and Super Bowl Champion Jacoby Jones who passed away at the age of 40. He was a triple threat. Funny, fast and could dance. He will be missed and was taken from us way too soon. pic.twitter.com/ndBGXhwFCS
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) July 14, 2024
Jacoby Jones & I were teammates for 5 years in Houston. He was one of my all time favorites. We always tried to be the first one to celebrate with the other after scoring a TD. And he was always helping me refine my dance moves. The news this morning hurts badly. Love u Jacoby! pic.twitter.com/107UjelxJY
— JoelDreessen (@JoelDreessen) July 14, 2024
My brother, you will truly be missed. They can’t take the memories and the hard work you put in on and off the football field. You always gave back and always a pillar in the community, a @Ravens for life . Love ya JJ#RL52 #Ray #Lewis #52 #JacobyJones12 #Jacoby #Jones #12… pic.twitter.com/kfmb0DHHJb
— Ray Lewis (@raylewis) July 14, 2024
I’ll never forget training with Jacoby Jones in New Orleans. he was fresh outta St Aug when I was playing for the Saints and he made it clear his plans to not only play in the NFL but make an impact. he did exactly that.
RIP brother ️
— Donté Stallworth (@DonteStallworth) July 14, 2024