The NFL world is mourning the death of Jacoby Jones after the former Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans kick returner and wide receiver passed away, according to The Baltimore Sun.
News of Jones’ unexpected death comes just three days after his 40th birthday. A cause of death has yet to be announced.
Originally selected by Houston in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft, the Lane product spent time with the Texans, Ravens, San Diego Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers over the course of his nine-year NFL career and played for the National Arena League’s Monterrey Steel in 2017. Following his playing career, he embarked on a coaching career at the college level and had served as Alabama State’s wide receivers coach since the 2022 season.
Jones is best remembered for his role in the Ravens’ Super Bowl-winning season in 2012. In addition to earning 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.”
He went on 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 and remains the only player to have scored a receiving touchdown and kick return touchdown in the same Super Bowl. His 108-yard kick return is also the longest play in Super Bowl history.
Following the news of Jones’ unexpected passing, many took to social media to mourn the New Orleans native.
We are completely heartbroken to learn about the passing of Jacoby Jones. pic.twitter.com/uWjUT9adSw
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) July 14, 2024
My brother! I thank God for the memories and your impact on this world. You were 1 of 1 ! Your play on the field and jokes will live on forever! We have Momma Jones a Lil Coby’s back for life! This one hurt me man! We are going to miss you!
Love you bro! pic.twitter.com/r9MZKU4sqb
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) July 14, 2024
My former teammate Jacoby Jones passed. Damn this hits hard. His laugh and just bigger than life personality will be something I’ll always remember. RIP brother 💔
— Matt Leinart (@MattLeinartQB) July 14, 2024
💔na bra no way RIP LEGEND https://t.co/nNep87pSnY
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) July 14, 2024
The NFL is heartbroken to hear of the passing of Super Bowl champion Jacoby Jones.
Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. 🤍🕊️ pic.twitter.com/iP6taRGpho
— NFL (@NFL) July 14, 2024
We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Jacoby Jones. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/Ny4UBLMwdb
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) July 14, 2024
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
Jacoby Jones was an absolute legend.. he was beloved by literally everybody he met and lit up every room/field he walked into/onto.
Rest easy my brother.. we will miss your presence. pic.twitter.com/mq878eSH7Y
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) July 14, 2024
This Jacoby Jones news hurts man! If you ever met him it’s a guarantee he made your day better. If you knew him, you LOVED him.
Amazing man that always showed up w/ incredible energy and a smile!
Gonna miss you 12! 🖤🕊️ pic.twitter.com/Glt1rjwMzk
— Darius Butler (@DariusJButler) 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
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
Jacoby Jones was one of the most energetic, and fun loving teammates. Always had a smile on his face and never one to shy away from dancing. Blessed to have shared the huddle with you brother. Gone way to soon.
RIP Jacoby 🙏— Matt Schaub (@matt8schaub) July 14, 2024
