Jacoby Jones, a former Texans and Ravens wide receiver and Super Bowl great, died yesterday.
Jacoby Jones, a former Texans wide receiver and third-round draft selection from Lane College who became a record-breaking Super Bowl kickoff returner for the Baltimore Ravens, passed away in his sleep overnight.
There was no official announcement on the cause of death. Jones was forty years old.
“I loved Jacoby Jones, and we all did,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. “His passion, excitement, and love for others were strong. He was like a light. Ms. Emily, his loving mother, treasured him as her son. They were really close. He was a man of faith.
“My favorite Jacoby personal moment was when I saw his joy-filled smile. Rest in peace, Jacoby, in Jesus’ arms.
“We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Jacoby Jones,” the Texans said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.”
“He was the best, and he loved everyone,” Beaumont Renegades owner Sam Gordon told KPRC 2 over the phone. “I believe one of the most essential aspects is that he was a man of God. He took pride in how much he loved and feared his God. What was most important to him after football was assisting the next person in line. He was the most modest and compassionate person to everyone who donated or required his time.”
Jacoby Jones was recognized for his quickness and playmaking ability on the field, as well as his genial demeanor off it. He lived in Missouri City.
“Jacoby was one of the most fun-loving teammates and people I’ve ever been around,” said former Texans teammate J.J. Watt on social media. “Always dancing and laughing, with a permanent grin on his face.” Gone way too early. R.I.P, Jacoby Jones.”
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.
R.I.P Jacoby Jones.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 14, 2024
Jacoby Jones, a native of New Orleans, helped the Ravens win Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in 2013, earning first-team All-Pro honors. He returned a kickoff 108 yards for a score against the San Francisco 49ers, becoming the longest play in Super Bowl history. He was also the first player in Super Bowl history to score on both a touchdown and a return.
“My brother, you will truly be missed,” Ravens Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis said on social media. “They can’t take away your memories and the hard work you put in on and off the football field. You were constantly giving back and a cornerstone in the community, a Raven for life. “Love you, JJ.”
Jacoby Jones concluded his career with 203 catches for 2,733 yards and 14 touchdowns, as well as 7,628 return yards and nine special teams scores.
Jacoby Jones played with the Texans from 2007 to 2011, then signed as a free agent with the Ravens after being released by the Texans in 2012. He spent three seasons in Baltimore. He then played for the Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers until retiring from football on September 29, 2017, when he signed a one-day deal with the Ravens to end his career in the AFC North.
Jones was hired this year as the head coach and offensive coordinator for the Beaumont Renegades, an indoor football club.
“Jacoby was a special football player,” the Renegades said in their statement. “He enjoyed every minute of every game, and he recognized that each day was a privilege. But what we know about Jacoby the football player barely scrapes the surface of who he was as a guy. When you needed someone, he was available. When you phoned, he responded. When you texted, he replied. It didn’t matter if you were a family member, a close friend, a previous coach or teammate, or a player he trained.
“What Jacoby enjoyed doing the most was giving back and assisting the next generation of children in realizing their ambitions and reaching their greatest potential. He left no one behind and made time for every little youngster and athlete who begged for it. Our warmest thoughts and deepest sympathy go out to his family as they deal with this abrupt and devastating loss.”
Jones started teaching wide receivers at his alma school, Lane College, in 2018. He previously taught receivers at Calvert Hall High School in Baltimore and tight ends at Morgan State before joining Alabama State in 2022 as receivers coach.
Jones has competed on the television show Dancing with the Stars, teaming with Karina Smirnoff and reaching the finals before finishing third place.
Jacoby Jones was inducted into the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Hall of Fame this year, as well as Lane College and Marion Abramson High School in New Orleans.
“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,” Harbaugh remembered. “Jacob then raced to catch the ball and run it back for a touchdown.”
