Former NFL WR Jacoby Jones dies at age 40

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Jul 14, 2024 #Age’, #Dies, #Info, #Jacoby, #Jones, #NFL

Jacoby Jones, a former Ravens wide receiver and the star of Super Bowl 47, has died, the team said early Sunday.

He was 40. A cause of death has not been announced.

“We are completely heartbroken to learn about the passing of Jacoby Jones,” the Ravens said in a 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.

“Jacoby will long be remembered not just for his success on the football field, but for the lasting personal connections he made with countless people in the Ravens organization, Baltimore community and every area he called home.”

A native of Louisiana, Jones played the Ravens for just three seasons, from 2012 to 2014, but left an indelible mark on the franchise with his performance in the Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers. He had a 56-yard touchdown catch and a Super Bowl record 108-yard kickoff return for a score to open the second half that helped propel Baltimore to the 34-31 victory over the San Fransisco 49ers.

He also had a 70-yard game-tying touchdown catch in the waning seconds of regulation in the Ravens’ AFC divisional round playoff game that season against the Denver Broncos, dubbed the “Mile High Miracle,” that Baltimore went on to win in double overtime. It was voted the greatest moment in team history for the NFL’s 100th anniversary in 2019.

“I loved Jacoby Jones. We all did,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. “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 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. 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.”

Former Ravens star Jacoby Jones remembered by teammates: ‘You were 1 of 1!’

Jones, who played at Lane College and was a third-round draft pick of the Houston Texans in 2007, spent nine seasons in the NFL and also played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and then-San Diego Chargers following his time in Baltimore.

In September 2017, Jones signed a one-day contract with the Ravens so he could retire as a member of the franchise.

Jones holds the Ravems record for most career kickoff return touchdowns (four), most kickoff return touchdowns in a single season (two) and longest kickoff return in team history, having also returned two more for 108 yards against the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers.

An All-Pro returner and Pro Bowl selection in 2012, he finished his career with 203 catches, 2,733 yards and 125 touchdowns. He also had 4,940 yards and five touchdowns as a kick returner and 2,688 yards and four scores as a punt returner.

This article will be updated.