NFL wide receiver Jacoby Jones, who helped lead the Baltimore Ravens to victory in Super Bowl XLVII, has died. He was 40.
Jones died overnight in his sleep, NBC affiliate KPRC of Houston reported Sunday. A cause of death is unknown at this time.
Jones’ former teams, the Ravens and the Houston Texans, released statements July 14, confirming and reacting to the retired NFL player’s death.
“We are completely heartbroken to learn about the passing of Jacoby Jones,” the Ravens’ statement began. “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 Ravens said Jones will be remembered for both his success on the field and the "lasting personal connections" he made while with the team from 2012 to 2014.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh remembered Jones as a “light.”
“I loved Jacoby Jones. We all did,” Harbaugh said in a statement. “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,” Harbaugh continued. “Jacoby then raced to catch the ball and run it back for a touchdown.”
Jones, a New Orleans native, helped the Ravens win Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers, scoring two touchdowns in February 2013. At the record-breaking game, Jones returned a kickoff for a touchdown that became the longest play in Super Bowl history, per KPRC. In the same game, he became the first player to catch a touchdown and score on a return in a Super Bowl. That year, he also was named All-Pro by the NFL.
Prior to his success with the Ravens, Jones played for five seasons with the Texans, from 2007 to 2011. The Texans shared a tribute to Jones on X Sunday.
“We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Jacoby Jones. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time,” the team wrote.
After the Texans and the Ravens, Jones played for both the then San Diego Chargers, now the Los Angeles Chargers, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Just before retiring in September 2017, KPRC reported Jones signed a one-day contract with the Ravens to retire as a member of the Baltimore team.
When Jones wrapped his career, he had 203 receptions, 14 touchdowns and nine scores on special teams, according to KPRC.
In 2013, Jones competed on “Dancing with the Stars” with Karina Smirnoff, earning a spot in the finals and ultimately placing third.
After retiring from the NFL, Jones coached at his alma mater, Lane College, as well as at Calvert Hall High School in Baltimore and Morgan State University. In 2022, he coached at Alabama State University.
Jones joined the professional indoor Texas football team, the Beaumont Renegades, as their head coach and offensive coordinator in April 2024, NBC-affiliate KBMT reported.
In a statement shared to the team’s official Instagram page, the Renegades wrote that Jones “meant so much to us and we know how loved he was by all of you.”
“Jacoby was a special football player,” the statement continued. He loved every minute of every game and knew where he was everyday was a blessing. But what can be said about him as a football player is only scratching the surface of who he was as a man.
The statement continued, “When you needed someone, he was there. When you called him, he answered. Didn’t matter if you were a family member, a close friend, player he coached, etc. He was a Man of God. Proud of how much he feared and loved Him. Jacoby never shied away from being open about his faith.”
The football team said Jones loved “giving back and helping the next kids in line achieve their dreams and reach their fullest potential.”
