Former NFL wide receiver and Super Bowl champion Jacoby Jones has died at the age of 40. Jones passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in New Orleans, according to his family. The cause of death has not been disclosed.Jones is best known for his spectacular plays during the Baltimore Ravens’ 2013 Super Bowl XLVII victory against the San Francisco 49ers. His 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in that game remains the longest in Super Bowl history. Jones also made a crucial 70-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter of the AFC Divisional playoff game against the Denver Broncos, which became known as the ‘Mile High Miracle’.During his nine-year NFL career from 2007 to 2015, Jones played for several teams, including the Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, San Diego Chargers, and Pittsburgh Steelers. He totaled six return touchdowns and 14 receiving touchdowns throughout his career.Jones was remembered fondly by former teammates and coaches for his charismatic personality and joyful spirit. Ravens coach John Harbaugh said, ‘My favorite Jacoby personal moment was every time I saw his smiling face full of joy’. Former Houston Texans teammate J.J. Watt added, ‘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’.After his NFL career, Jones continued his involvement in football. He played in the National Arena League and later signed a one-day contract with the Ravens to officially retire as a member of the team. Most recently, he had been working as a coach, serving as the wide receivers coach at Alabama State and for the Beaumont Renegades, an arena football team in Texas.The NFL, Baltimore Ravens, and other organizations have expressed their condolences and paid tribute to Jones, highlighting not only his on-field achievements but also his impact as a person. As the Beaumont Renegades stated, ‘What can be said about him as a football player is only scratching the surface of who he was as a man’.
Key points
- Former NFL wide receiver Jacoby Jones has died at age 40.
- Jones was known for his record-breaking 108-yard kickoff return in Super Bowl XLVII.
- He played for multiple NFL teams and was remembered for his charismatic personality and joyful spirit.
- After his NFL career, Jones continued in football as a coach.
