Sad news from the NFL came on Sunday when former Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones passed away at the age of 40.
“We are deeply saddened to share that Jacoby Jones, a beloved former Ravens football player from New Orleans and a proud graduate of a Historically Black College has passed away at the age of 40,” wrote the NFLPA in their post on X.
Jones was a star and proud product of HBCU program and SIAC member, Lane College, from 2003 – 2006. While there, he was named offensive player of the year, special teams player of the year and all-conference.
He was then drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft and spent his first five seasons in the NFL with the team. In 2012, Jones headed to Baltimore and had his best season as a pro.
With the Ravens, he became a First-Team All-Pro returner and Pro Bowler in his first season. But fans remember Jones for the amazing postseason run he put together with the team during Baltimore’s run to Super Bowl XLVII.
In the playoffs, Jones hauled in a 70-yard TD with 30 seconds remaining against the Broncos, which tied the game at 35 and sent it into overtime, where the Ravens emerged victorious in double overtime, 38-35.
But Super Bowl XLVII is where Jones shined brightest.
His historic heroics in that game against the 49ers included a 108-yard kickoff return touchdown, which was both the longest return in Super Bowl and NFL postseason history. He also hauled in a 56-yard TD pass and was a key factor in the Ravens 34-31 victory. His final history-making stat came in the form of his 290 total yards, which was the most in a single Super Bowl in history.
He played with the team until 2014, and then bounced between the Chargers and Steelers in 2015 before retiring as a Raven a year later.
His loss was felt by all he played with.
“I loved Jacoby Jones, we all did,” said Ravens head coach John Harbaugh 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 Jacoby personal moment was every time I saw his smiling face full of joy. Rest in peace, Jacoby, in the arms of Jesus.”
Ravens star QB and 2x NFL MVP Lamar Jackson expressed his heartbreak on X, saying “RIP Legend.”
Ravens legend Ray Lewis expressed his sympathies on X, saying “My brother, you will truly be missed.”
Texans legend JJ Watt voiced his feelings as well, calling Jones “one of the most fun-loving teammates and people I’ve ever been around.”
Jones, who was working as the head coach for the Beamont Renegades football club in Beaumont, Texas, “passed away peacefully at his home” in New Orleans, according to his family.
He was only 40 years old. RIP Jacoby Jones.
