Former Ravens wide receiver and Super Bowl XLVII star Jacoby Jones has passed away, the team announced early Sunday morning.
He was 40 years old. The cause of death has not been announced.
“We are truly heartbroken to learn of the passing of Jacoby Jones,” the Ravens said in a statement. “Jacoby had the unique ability to connect with everyone he met. His charisma, joy and love were one of a kind and could light up any room and brighten any dark day.”
“Jacoby will long be remembered not only for his success on the football field, but also for the enduring personal connections he made with countless people throughout the Ravens organization, the Baltimore community and every neighborhood he called home.”
Jones, a Louisiana native, played just three seasons with the Ravens from 2012-14, but left an indelible mark on the team with his performance in the Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers. He had a 56-yard touchdown catch and a Super Bowl-record 108-yard kickoff return for a score early in the second half to help Baltimore win the game, 34-31, over the San Francisco 49ers.
He also made a 70-yard game-tying touchdown catch with just seconds left in regulation in the Ravens’ AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Denver Broncos that season, a game that was dubbed the “Mile High Miracle” and led to a double-overtime victory for Baltimore, which was named the greatest moment in team history during the NFL’s 100th anniversary celebrations in 2019.
“I loved Jacoby Jones. We all did,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. “His spirit, enthusiasm and love for people were powerful. He was a light. He was a precious son to a loving mother, Emily. They were very close. He was a man of faith.”
“My favorite football play was Jacoby talking to his mother in the end zone just before a kickoff return late in a snowstorm against the Vikings. Jacoby then caught the ball and ran it back for a touchdown. My favorite personal memory with Jacoby was seeing his smile, filled with joy. Rest in peace Jacoby, in the arms of Jesus.”
Jones, who played at Lane College and was a third-round draft pick by the Houston Texans in 2007, spent nine seasons in the NFL, including stints with Baltimore, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the then-San Diego Chargers.
In September 2017, Jones signed a one-day contract with the Ravens to retire as a part of the franchise.
Jones holds the record for the most kickoff return touchdowns in the Ravemuth brothers’ career (four), the most kickoff return touchdowns in a single season (two) and the longest kickoff return in franchise history, having recorded two more 108-yard kickoff returns in wins against the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers.
An All-Pro returner and Pro Bowl selection in 2012, he finished his career with 203 catches for 2,733 yards and 125 touchdowns. He also had 4,940 yards and five touchdowns as a kick returner and 2,688 yards and four scores as a punt returner.
