Jacoby Jones, Former Baltimore Ravens Receiver, Dead At 40

BALTIMORE, MD — Former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones — perhaps best known for scoring two touchdowns in the victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII in 2013 — has died at age 40, the team said Sunday.

"We are completely heartbroken to learn about the passing of Jacoby Jones," the Baltimore Ravens said in a statement. "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."

A cause of death has not been reported.

But the owner of the Arena League football team Jones was coaching said Jones died in his sleep at his suburban Houston home, a news station in Texas reported.

"Jacoby will long be remembered not just for his success on the football field, but for the lasting personal connections he made with countless people in the Ravens organization, Baltimore community and every area he called home," the team statement said. "We share our deepest condolences with Jacoby's family as we all begin to process this devastating loss."

Jones scored on a 108-yard kickoff return to start the second half of the 2013 Super Bowl against the 49ers.

He also caught the "Mile Hile Miracle" pass from Joe Flacco, a 70-yard touchdown reception late in the fourth quarter in Denver that forced the 2012 AFC Divisional playoff game into overtime. The Ravens won, 34-31, in double overtime on a 47-yard field goal.

“My brother, you will truly be missed,” Ravens Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. “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 Raven for life. Love ya JJ.”

The Ravens organization said Jones was beloved for his warmth and effervescent personality.

"I loved Jacoby Jones," Head Coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. "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," Harbaugh said.

According to ESPN, Jones had 203 catches for 2,733 yards and 14 touchdowns in 128 career games (33 starts) with the Houston Texans (2007-11), Ravens (2012-14), Pittsburgh Steelers (2015) and then-San Diego Chargers (2015).

The past two years, Jones served as the receivers coach at Alabama State, and in April was hired as the coach of the Beaumont Renegades, an Arena football franchise set to begin play in 2025.

His coaching career included becoming the tight ends coach at Morgan State University, WBAL-TV reported.