BALTIMORE — Former wide receiver and kick return specialist Jacoby Jones, who helped the Baltimore Ravens win their last Super Bowl, has died, the Ravens confirmed Sunday. He was 40 years old.
Jones’ family said in a statement that he died at his home in New Orleans on July 11, his birthday.
“We want to thank you all for the kind thoughts and support you have shown us during this difficult time.”
The family released a statement through the NFL Players Association: “Your continued support and respect for our privacy means a lot to us.”
Jones was promoted to head coach of the Beaumont Renegades indoor football team in April. He also previously served as football coach at Morgan State University in Baltimore.
“We are saddened to share the news of the passing of our head coach, Jacoby Jones,” the Beaumont Renegades said in a statement. “He meant so much to us and we know how much he was loved by all of you. Jacoby was a special football player. He loved every minute of the game and knew every day that where he was was a blessing. But what we can say about him as a football player only scratches the surface of who he was as a person.”
Jones recorded 203 catches for 2,733 yards and 14 touchdowns in nine NFL seasons with Houston, Baltimore, San Diego and Pittsburgh.
He also recorded four touchdowns on 127 punt returns (13.5 yards per return) and five touchdowns on 183 kickoff returns (27 yards per return).
Jones was recently named head coach of the new indoor football team, the Beaumont Renegades.
“Mile High Miracle”
Jones, who played for the Baltimore Ravens from 2012-2014, had a memorable debut season with the organization.
He was a Pro Bowl and All-Pro Returner selection in 2012.
In the AFC Divisional Round of the playoffs against the Denver Broncos, Jones caught a 70-yard touchdown pass with 31 seconds left in the game to tie the score at 35-35.
The Ravens won in the second overtime on a Justin Tucker field goal.
Super Bowl Sensation
Jones became the first player to record a receiving touchdown and a kickoff return touchdown in a Super Bowl.
He led the Baltimore Ravens to a 34-31 victory over San Francisco on February 13, 2013, to win Super Bowl XLVII.
Jones caught a 56-yard touchdown pass from Joe Flacco to give the Ravens a 21-3 lead late in the second quarter, then completed a 108-yard kickoff return early in the third quarter, the longest play in Super Bowl or postseason history.
‘A devastating loss’
The Baltimore Ravens released a statement saying Jones made a lasting impact on and off the field during his three seasons with the team.
“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Jacoby Jones,” the Baltimore Ravens said in a statement. “JaCoby had a special gift for connecting with everyone he met. His charisma, joy and love were unique and could light up any room and brighten any darkest 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. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Jacoby’s family as we all begin to come to terms with this tragic loss.”
“I loved Jacoby Jones.”
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said he has some fond memories of Jones, including one with his mother during a game against the Minnesota Vikings.
“I loved Jacoby Jones. We all did. His spirit, enthusiasm and love for people was powerful,” Harbaugh said. “He was a light. He was a precious son to his loving mother, Miss Emily. My favorite football play is when Jacoby is talking to his mother in the end zone. It was right before a kickoff return late in a snowstorm shootout against the Vikings. Jacoby then caught the ball and ran it back for a touchdown.”
