Sad day in the NFL as multiple reports have indicated that former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver and return man Jacoby Jones died at only 40 years old.
Jacoby Jones, former Ravens WR and star of Super Bowl 47, has died, the Baltimore Sun reports. He was 40.
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) July 14, 2024
Former #Ravens WR and return specialist Jacoby Jones, who also was a Texans, Steelers and Chargers player, has passed away, a league source confirms.
Condolences to Jones’ family and loved ones. https://t.co/GaFTmVltc9
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) July 14, 2024
No indication as to what happened, but what a tragedy. Jones was a beloved teammate who came up with the biggest performance of his career when it mattered most.
The Ravens needed every bit of Jones’ unique talents in Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers. That was one of the most surreal Super Bowls in retrospect, as brothers John and Jim Harbaugh coached against each other, and the 49ers started Colin Kaepernick at quarterback. Jones not only had a phenomenal 56-yard TD where he evaded two defenders near the goal line, but also housed the opening kickoff of the second half from 108 yards away to make the score 28-6.
RIP to former Baltimore Raven Jacoby Jones 🙏🏻
— Landon Oliver (@Landon3MR) July 14, 2024
RIP Jacoby Jones💜 flock will always remember you
pic.twitter.com/gQ7ACzk9fM— j$ (@khamszn) July 14, 2024
A random power outage delayed that game, and helped spark a furious 49ers rally, yet Baltimore prevailed 34-31 in the end. Flacco was named Super Bowl MVP, though a strong argument could’ve been made for Jones.
In addition to being a star in the Harbaugh Bros. Super Bowl, Jones made one of the most legacy-altering catches in NFL history. Had Broncos defensive back Rahim Moore properly played Joe Flacco’s underthrown ball, the Ravens wouldn’t have made it out of the Divisional Round. Instead, either Tom Brady or Peyton Manning probably have another Lombardi Trophy on their resume, while Flacco’s career is looked at a lot differently.
The Mile High Miracle was voted our "Greatest Moment" by the #RavensFlock.
The #NFL100 celebration continues today at our Fantennial event. Free tickets available: https://t.co/bLA8I0MNCD pic.twitter.com/wg3XpYyCDD
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 28, 2019
What a bummer that Jones left the world so soon. In recent years, he started on a coaching journey, most recently serving as Alabama State’s wide receivers coach for the past two seasons. He was originally from New Orleans, and played college football at Lane College in Tennessee. Jones was so dominant at the Division II level that he managed to get drafted in the third round by the Houston Texans in 2007. His five-year stint there preceded the move to Baltimore in 2012, where he promptly became a first-team All-Pro returner.
Only eight players have ever returned more kickoffs for touchdowns in the regular season than Jones, who had five of those, in addition to four punt return TDs.
Texans legend JJ Watt was among those grieving over Jones on social media, along with ex-Ravens wideout Torrey Smith among others.
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
My brother! I thank God for the memories and your impact on this world. You were 1 of 1 ! Your play on the field and jokes will live on forever! We have Momma Jones a Lil Coby’s back for life! This one hurt me man! We are going to miss you!
Love you bro! pic.twitter.com/r9MZKU4sqb
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) July 14, 2024
All the best to Jones’ loved ones and friends in the midst of his sudden passing.
