BALTIMORE, Maryland — Jacoby Jones, a former NFL receiver who made history in Super Bowl XLVII with a 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, has died at the age of 40.
The NFL Players Association released a statement Sunday confirming Jones’ death, saying he passed away “peacefully” at his home in New Orleans. It did not list a cause.
“The family, including his mother, Emily, and his son, little Jacoby, are together and are asking for your prayers, privacy and support as they navigate through this difficult time,” the statement says.
Jones played nine seasons (2007-15) in the NFL for the Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers and then-San Diego Chargers.
He had his best seasons statistically with the Texans, but made his biggest impact with the Ravens, with two huge plays during the 2012 season’s playoffs. The first came on Jan. 12, 2013, the “Mile High Miracle,” when Jones caught a 71-yard touchdown pass from Joe Flacco with just 31 seconds left to tie the game against the Broncos in Denver. The Ravens would go on to win in overtime, 38-35.
Three weeks later in the Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers, Jones returned the kick to start the second half 108 yards for a touchdown to give the Ravens a 28-6 lead. Baltimore would hold on to win, 34-31.
“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,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. “My favorite Jacoby personal moment was every time I saw his smiling face full of joy.”
“We are completely heartbroken to learn about the passing of Jacoby Jones,” the Ravens said in a statement on social media. “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 Texans also released a statement, with the team saying it was “deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Jacoby Jones.”
In April, Jones became coach of the Beaumont Renegades, an arena football team in Texas.
“What can be said about him as a football player is only scratching the surface of who he was as a man,” the Renegades said in a statement. “When you needed something, 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.”
(The Associated Press contributed to this story.)