Jacoby Jones, former NFL wide receiver and Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl champion, dies at the age of 40

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA: Former NFL wide receiver Jacoby Jones who was born on 11 July 1984, has died at the age of 40 on 14th July 2024.

The NFL Players Association and the Baltimore Ravens confirmed his death, stating he died peacefully at home without disclosing the cause. 

Jones was instrumental in the Ravens' second Super Bowl victory in 2013, scoring a touchdown during the game.

Jacoby Jones’ death confirmed by NFL players association

The NFL Players Association and the Baltimore Ravens confirmed the news of Jones' death on Sunday, July 14, stating that he "passed away peacefully at his home in New Orleans, Louisiana." 

"The family, including his mother, Emily, and his son, Little Jacoby, are together and asking for your prayers, privacy and support as they navigate through this difficult time," the NFL Players Association added in a post on X (formerly Twitter). 

The Ravens also issued a statement in honor of Jones, expressing that the organization is  "completely heartbroken to learn about the passing of Jacoby Jones." 

"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," the statement read. "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." 

The Ravens concluded, "We share our deepest condolences with Jacoby's family as we all begin to process this devastating loss."

Jacoby Jones’ teammates share memories with player after his death

Many of Jones' former teammates and coaches took to X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday after the news of his death, sharing stories and memories from their time together.

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh reported in a statement, "I loved Jacoby Jones. We all did. His spirit, enthusiasm and love for people were powerful. He was a light." 

He continued, "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."

Jones' former Texans teammate JJ Watt wrote on social media, "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." 

Donte Stallworth, a former Saints player and fellow wide receiver, also expressed his condolences, mentioning that they had spent time training together in their hometown of New Orleans.

Stallworth remembered, "I’ll never forget training with Jacoby Jones in New Orleans. He was fresh outta [St. Augustine] when I was playing for the Saints and he made it clear his plans to not only play in the NFL but make an impact. He did exactly that."

Who was Jacoby Jones?

Jones began his football career at Lane College in Tennessee in 2002 before being drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft.

He spent five years with the Texans before signing with the Ravens in 2012, as per People. He played in the Baltimore team's 2013 Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers, which they won 34-21.

During the championship, Jones made history by becoming the first player to score both a receiving touchdown and a return touchdown in the same Super Bowl, according to ESPN.

Overall, he spent nine years in the NFL, playing for the Texans, Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, and the then-San Diego Chargers (now the Los Angeles Chargers).

In 2013, he competed on Dancing with the Stars, partnering with Karina Smirnoff and finishing in third place overall.

This year, Jones was hired as the head coach and offensive coordinator for the Beaumont Renegades, a newly-formed indoor football team set to start playing in 2025.

Jacoby Jones's fans 'gutted' after announcement of his death

The death of NFL player Jacoby Jones has not only affected his teammates but also his fans. Many Internet users shared their thoughts, remembering his career, calling it a tragic loss.

One user dubbed, "Absolutely brutal loss, he will be missed." Another user added, "Jacoby was so much fun. Dancing, TD dances, impersonations, Jacoby always brought the energy, always had a smile on his face. I am gutted to hear the news today. RIP my friend." 

The third fan said, "Omg I am saddened to hear this news! I attended school with this brother years ago! My prayers are with his mother and family 🙏🏾" The fourth worried by saying, "I love watching him play" alongside saddened emoji. "40 year old males don't just die. Dude have cancer or something?" last user speculated about the cause of death.

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