The NFL world is mourning the loss of Baltimore Ravens legend Jacoby Jones. The former wide receiver passed away peacefully at his New Orleans home Sunday, just three days after his 40th birthday.
Jacoby Jones blossomed on the field at the Division II program Lane College in Tennessee. He was a three-time All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference player.
The Houston Texans drafted Jones in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft. Jones played five seasons with the Texans. He made his calling as a kickoff and punt returner. He returned three punts for touchdowns and another kickoff with Houston.
As a receiver, Jones had 11 touchdown receptions in a Texans uniform. He had a great deal of success with Houston. However, his legend grew while playing with the Baltimore Ravens.
Jacoby Jones the Baltimore Ravens Legend
As Raven, Jones returned four kickoffs for touchdowns. In 2012, his first season with Baltimore, Jones earned first-team All-Pro honors. He also was selected to the Pro Bowl that season.
His career year culminated with a series of highlight plays in the playoffs during the Ravens’ run to a Super Bowl title. The biggest play happened in the AFC Divisional Round, as Jones hauled a 70-yard touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos, recognized as the “Mile Miracle.”
Jones’ catch from quarterback Joe Flacco tied the game, sending the contest into overtime where the Ravens capped off the win.
Then at Super Bowl XLVII, Jones became the first player to catch a touchdown and return a kickoff for a touchdown in the championship game. He snagged a 56-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. Then exploded for a 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to open the third quarter during the Ravens’ 34-31 win over the San Francisco 49ers.
Jones played nine seasons in the NFL. Before finishing his career, he played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and San Diego Chargers.
Jacoby Jones life outside of the NFL
His charisma kept him in the spotlight. In 2013, he competed in Dancing with the Stars. He partnered with Karina Smirnoff and finished in third place.
After he hung up his cleats for good, he ventured into coaching. He coached wide receivers collegiately for his alma mater, Lane College, from 2018-19. He also was a wide receivers coach at Calvert Hill College in 2020. Then, he became the tight ends coach at Morgan State in 2021 before coaching the wideouts at Alabama State for two seasons.
“We are completely heartbroken to learn about the passing of Jacoby Jones,” the Ravens said in a statement.
“I loved Jacoby Jones. We all did. His spirit, enthusiasm, and love for people were powerful. He was a light,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said.
The tributes to Jones poured out from former teammates
“My brother, you will truly be missed… “You always gave back and always a pillar in the community, a Ravens for life (purple heart emoji). Love ya JJ,” Hall of Fame Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis posted on X.
“We have Momma Jones [and] Lil Coby’s back for life! This one hurt me, man! We are going to miss you!” Torrey Smith posted.
“Jacoby was one of the most fun-loving teammates and people I’ve ever been around,” former Houston Texans teammate JJ Watt wrote. “Always dancing and laughing, with a permanent smile on his face. Gone far, far too soon.”
“He was one of my all-time favorites,” former Texans teammate Joel Dreessen posted on X. “We always tried to be the first one to celebrate with the other after scoring a TD. And he was always helping me refine my dance moves. The news this morning hurts badly. Love u Jacoby!”
“Jacoby Jones was one of the most energetic, and fun-loving teammates,” former Texans QB Matt Schaub shared. “Always had a smile on his face and never one to shy away from dancing. Blessed to have shared the huddle with you brother. Gone way [too] soon.”
The Jones family asked for your prayers, privacy, and support for his mother Emily, and son Jacoby as they navigate through this difficult time.
