Jacoby Jones, the former NFL receiver who made history in the 2013 Super Bowl, died July 14 in his sleep. He was 40 years old.
No cause of death has been revealed.
The New Orleans native will always remembered for helping the Baltimore Ravens win Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The first-team All-Pro returned a kickoff 108 yards for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers for the longest play in Super Bowl history. He also became the first player to catch a touchdown and score on a return in the same Super Bowl.
Jones ended his NFL career with 203 receptions for 2,733 yards and 14 touchdowns with 7,628 return yards and nine scores on special teams.
Most of all, Jones was known as a fun-loving, good-natured humanitarian who took the time to give back to the community.
“I loved Jacoby Jones, we all did,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in a statement, according to Click2Houston. “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 Jacoby personal moment was every time I saw his smiling face full of joy. Rest in peace, Jacoby, in the arms of Jesus.”
An outpouring of condolences for Jacoby Jones throughout the NFL
“My brother, you will truly be missed,” Ravens Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis penned on his Instagram page. “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 Texans, whom Jones also played for said in a statement obtained by Click2Houston. “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 NFL Players Association praised Jones, saying: “We want to express our gratitude for all of the kind thoughts and support you have shown us during this challenging time. Your ongoing support and respecting our privacy means a lot to us. We are deeply saddened to share that Jacoby Jones, a beloved former Ravens football player from New Orleans and a proud graduate of a historically Black college has passed away at the age of 40.”
Jones is survived by his mother, Emily, and his son, Jacoby.
