Jacoby Jones, a former wide receiver and kick returner with the Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans and two other NFL teams, has died, the Ravens announced Sunday. He was 40 years old.
“We are completely heartbroken to learn about the passing of Jacoby Jones,” the team said in a statement posted 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.”
No details were yet known about the cause of his death. The Baltimore Sun first reported the news Sunday morning.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh paid tribute to Jones in a statement posted to X.
“I loved Jacoby Jones. We all did. His spirit, enthusiasm and love for people were powerful. He was a light,” Harbaugh said. “My favorite Jacoby personal moment was every time I saw his smiling face full of joy.”
Originally from New Orleans, Jones was selected by the Texans in the third round of the 2007 NFL draft after playing college football at Lane College. He played with Houston from 2007 to 2011 before moving to Baltimore for the 2012-2014 seasons. He was named first-team All-Pro as a kick returner in 2012.
While with the Ravens, Jones was best known for his record 108-yard kickoff return touchdown in Super Bowl 47 against the San Francisco 49ers. Jones also caught a 56-yard TD pass from Joe Flacco in the Ravens’ 34-31 victory.
Earlier that postseason, Jones helped keep Baltimore’s Super Bowl hopes alive with 70-yard touchdown reception from Flacco with 31 seconds left to force overtime in a divisional playoff game against Denver. The Ravens went on to win 38-35 in double overtime in a game that was later dubbed the “Mile High Miracle.”
Several of Jones’ former teammates posted tributes to his memory on social media.
“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,” said JJ Watt, who played with Jones on the Texans.
Former Ravens teammate Torrey Smith also posted his condolences on X.
“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!” Smith wrote.
And Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis paid his respects.
“My brother, you will truly be missed. They can’t take the memories and the hard work you put in on and off the football field,” Lewis said in a post on X.
Contributing: Steve Gardner