The Baltimore Ravens community took a major hit on Sunday when it was announced that former All-Pro kick returner and WR Jacoby Jones had suddenly passed away at just age 40.
Jones just celebrated his 40th birthday on July 11. A cause of death is not immediately clear.
The NFL Players Association released a statement Sunday afternoon on behalf of the Jones family, confirming that Jones “passed away peacefully at his home in New Orleans, Louisiana.” Jones was born and raised in New Orleans before attending Lane College in Tennessee.
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In the statement, the NFLPA expressed sadness for the loss of the Baltimore Ravens late receiver, and said that the Jones family, including his mother and his son, are together at this time.
The owner of the Beaumont Renegades, an indoor football league that hired Jones as its inaugural head coach in April, also confirmed the former receiver’s death on Sunday. Sam Gordon called Jones “the most humble and kind person to anybody” in a phone interview with KPRC 2 Houston on Sunday morning.
Jones played in the NFL for nine seasons, spending his first five with the Houston Texans before signing with the Ravens in 2012. Jones had a standout season in his first year in Baltimore, being named First Team All-Pro and heading to the Pro Bowl during the Baltimore Ravens’ championship-winning 2012 season.
During the run-up to Baltimore’s Super Bowl XLVII victory, Jones caught what is now known as the “Mile High Miracle,” a 70-yard touchdown from quarterback Joe Flacco in the final minute of the AFC divisional game against the Denver Broncos. The touchdown forced the game into double overtime, where a game-winning touchdown sent the Ravens to the AFC championship game. Jones then scored two touchdowns, including a 108-yard kick return, during the Super Bowl to give Baltimore a 34-31 win over the San Francisco 49ers.
The Ravens posted a tribute to the late receiver on Sunday, writing in a statement that “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.”
We are completely heartbroken to learn about the passing of Jacoby Jones. pic.twitter.com/uWjUT9adSw
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) July 14, 2024
The Baltimore Ravens also included a statement from head coach John Harbaugh, who coached Jones during his three years in Baltimore. “His spirit, enthusiasm and love for people were powerful. He was a light,” Harbaugh wrote.
The Texans also paid tribute to Jones, extending thoughts and prayers to his family.
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Some of Jones’ former teammates paid tribute to Jones on social media, including Texans legend JJ Watt and former Ravens teammates Ray Lewis and Anquan Boldin, as well as wide receiver Torrey Smith, who played with Jones in Baltimore, and quarterback Matt Leinart, who overlapped with Jones for two seasons in Houston.
My brother, you will truly be missed. They can’t take the memories and the hard work you put in on and off the football field. You always gave back and always a pillar in the community, a @Ravens for life 💜. Love ya JJ#RL52 #Ray #Lewis #52 #JacobyJones12 #Jacoby #Jones #12… pic.twitter.com/kfmb0DHHJb
— Ray Lewis (@raylewis) July 14, 2024
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.
R.I.P Jacoby Jones.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 14, 2024
Former Baltimore Ravens LB C.J. Mosley Posts Heartwarming Tribute To His Friend Jacoby Jones
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Mosley and Jones played together on the Ravens 2014 squad and clearly formed an instant bond.
The current New York Jets LB partnered with Jones on a business venture called First Down Funding, where the two NFL players used their resources to give small business loans to companies in need according to the official website.
On Monday morning, Mosley posted a touching tribute to his friend and former Baltimore Ravens teammate:
— CJ Mosley (@TreyDeuce32RTR) July 15, 2024
“Took a minute for yesterday’s news about Jacoby’s death to hit. Can’t believe you got me shedding.a tear, because you were the funniest guys to be around with your deep Naw’leans accent! The day of your birthday, they were playing SB 47 and my son was locked in watching the game. I’m happy he got to see you ball out again. I always try to check on my OG’s from time to time, I’m sorry I didn’t reach out since we last spoke in 2014. You never know what a quick text or an old memory can do for you or that person. So whatever profession you’re in, take a minute to check on the people that helped you along the way, because we are teammates forever! I hope Jr. and your family are doing ok and hope they feel the love from your legacy you left on and off the field!
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