Jacoby Jones, a former All-Pro returner who was a key factor in the Baltimore Ravens’ victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII, has passed away at the age of 40, according to The Baltimore Sun.
A cause of death has yet to be announced.
Jones’ unexpected passing sent shockwaves through the NFL community. The New Orleans native spent his college career at Division II Lane before being selected by the Houston Texans in the third round (No. 73 overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft. Jones proceeded to spend time with the Texans, Ravens, San Diego Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers, as well as the Monterrey Steel of the National Arena League before retiring following the 2017 season. Following his playing career, he spent time as a coach at Lane College, Calvert Hall College, Morgan State and most recently, Alabama State, where he has served as the program’s wide receivers coach since 2022.
Jones is best remembered for his time with the Ravens, in which he earned first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors as a returner in 2012. He was also on the receiving end of Joe Flacco’s 70-yard game-tying touchdown throw in Baltimore’s victory over the Denver Broncos in the AFC Divisional Round — a play known as the “Mile High Miracle” — and proceeded to score on a 56-yard touchdown reception and 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the Ravens’ 34-31 win against the 49ers in the Super Bowl that same postseason.
Jones is the only player to have recorded a receiving touchdown and kickoff return touchdown in the same Super Bowl. His 108-yard kickoff return remains the longest play in Super Bowl history.
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.