Former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones has died at the age of 40.
Jones was known for his explosive playmaking ability across eight seasons in the NFL and played a pivotal role as the Ravens won Super Bowl XLVII over the San Francisco 49ers in 2013.
We are completely heartbroken to learn about the passing of Jacoby Jones. pic.twitter.com/uWjUT9adSw
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) July 14, 2024
The speedster’s 108-yard kick-off return for a touchdown after gathering a kick deep in his own end-zone remains the longest for a score in play-off history and also the longest play in the history of the Super Bowl.
Jones also became the first player to catch a touchdown and score another on a kick return in the same Super Bowl – all played in the Superdome in his home city of New Orleans, Louisiana.
The Ravens had reached the showpiece game thanks largely to Jones’ heroics in the AFC Divisional Round game away at the Denver Broncos.
With 31 seconds remaining in the final quarter, his team trailing 35-28 and facing a third-and-30, Jones caught a bomb from quarterback Joe Flacco for a 70-yard touchdown which sent the game to overtime, in which the Ravens prevailed.
The play became known as the ‘Mile High Miracle.’
A statement released on behalf of his family by the NFL Players Association said he ‘passed away peacefully at his home in New Orleans.’
“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 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
Jones was drafted in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans, where he played until 2011 when he joined the Ravens as a free agent.
After three seasons in Baltimore, where he was selected for the Pro Bowl in 2012, he had spells at the San Diego Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers before retiring in 2017 with 203 catches for 2,733 yards and 14 touchdowns in 128 career games.
Jones signed a one-day contract to retire with the Ravens in 2017 and had worked as a receivers coach at Alabama State following his retirement.
“Jacoby was one of the most fun-loving team-mates and people I’ve ever been around,” his former Texans team-mate JJ Watt wrote on social media.
“Always dancing and laughing, with a permanent smile on his face. Gone far, far too soon. R.I.P Jacoby Jones.”
Jacoby Jones was a @Ravens legend and all-time clutch playoff performer 🙏 🕊 pic.twitter.com/0lgzQpElKc
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) July 15, 2024
