Jacoby Jones (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
The sporting world is still trying to deal with the tragic news that former Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens wide receiver and kick returner Jacoby Jones is dead.
Jones, a former Texans wide receiver and third-round draft pick from Lane College who emerged as a record-setting Super Bowl standout as a kickoff returner for the Baltimore Ravens, tragically died in his sleep at his home mere days after celebrating his 40th birthday.
No cause of death was immediately announced as of yet. He is survived by his mother, Emily, and his son, Jacoby.
What had NFL fans even more heartbroken was Jacoby Jones’ final Instagram post.
He was a man who did not share much online, which is why his final post was way back in December 2023.
In a shared post with the NFL and Ravens, they celebrated his record-breaking Super Bowl XLVII performance against the San Francisco 49ers, where the third-round draft pick went insanely viral by opening up the second half by bringing the ball deep out of the end zone to return a kickoff for a 108-yard touchdown.
That moment still stands as the longest-scoring play in Super Bowl history.
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Here is how fans responded in the comments:
Also, in that game, Jacoby Jones became the first player in Super Bowl history to record both a receiving touchdown and a return touchdown.
Many thought at the time he should’ve been the Super Bow MVP following the Ravens’ 34-31 win over the 49ers.
Jones was just promoted in April to be the head coach of the Beaumont Renegades, an indoor football team.
The NFL Speaks Out About Jacoby Jones Sudden Death
Jacoby Jones, former wide receiver and kick return specialist, tragically died on Sunday at the age of 40.
The Jones family said in a statement that he died at his home in New Orleans.
Baltimore Ravens head football coach John Harbaugh was one of many who spoke out, saying, “I loved Jacoby Jones. We all did. His spirit, enthusiasm, and love for people were powerful,” Harbaugh said. “He was a light. He was the cherished son of his loving mom, Ms. Emily. 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.”
“We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Jacoby Jones,” the Texans said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.”
Former Texans defensive end J.J. Watt posted, “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.”
“He was the best, he loved everyone,” Sam Gordon, owner of the Beaumont Renegades, told KPRC 2 in Houston.
“I think one of the most important things is he was a man of God. He was proud of how much he loved and feared his God. What was most important to him after football was helping the next person in line. He was the most humble and kind person to anybody who gave him the time and needed the time from him.”
New Details Come To Light Following The Tragic Death Of Former Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl Hero Jacoby Jones
Jacoby Jones (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Additional details have emerged since reports regarding the death of former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones.The former WR, who also served as a returner during his time in the NFL, passed away this weekend at the age of 40.
His family released a statement through the NFL Players Association on Sunday.
“We want to express our gratitude for all the kind thoughts and support you have shown us during this challenging time,” the statement reads. “Your ongoing support and respecting our privacy means a lot to us.”
“We are completely heartbroken to learn about the passing of Jacoby Jones,” the Ravens said in their own 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.”
Aaron Wilson of KPRC also reports that Jones died in his sleep, with no cause of death announced.
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Jacoby Jones Will Always Be A Legend In Baltimore
Jacoby Jones began his career with the Houston Texans, playing there for five seasons. He registered a career-high 562 yards in his fourth year with the team.
He is best remembered for his time with the Baltimore Ravens, having helped them win a Super Bowl by becoming the first player to score a return touchdown and receiving touchdown in the same game.
He recorded a 108-yard return score in the game, which stands as the third-longest in NFL history, also scoring off a 56-yard pass from Joe Flacco.
Prior to the Super Bowl, he helped the Ravens clinch an overtime Divisional-Round win over the Denver Broncos with a 70-yard catch dubbed the “Mile High Miracle.”
He will certainly be missed.
