OAN Staff James Meyers
9:58 AM – Monday, July 15, 2024
NFL wide receiver Jacoby Jones, who helped the Baltimore Ravens win the 2013 Super Bowl by scoring two touchdowns, has died, his former teams announced on Sunday.
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Jones was 40 years old at the time of his passing.
The cause of Jones’ death was not immediately available.
“We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Jacoby Jones. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time,” the Houston Texans wrote on the social media platform X.
In a statement released Sunday through the NFL Players Association, Jones’ family said that he died “peacefully” at his home in New Orleans.
“The family, including his mother, Emily and his son, Little Jacoby, are together and are asking for prayers, privacy, and support as they navigate through this difficult time.”
The Ravens said in a statement Sunday 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.”
Jones, who was from New Orleans, was drafted by the Texans in the third round of the 2007 draft.
The eight year veteran played five seasons for the Texans and then signed with Baltimore, where he would go on to help the team win the 2013 Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers.
In the 34-31 Super Bowl win, Jones scored two touchdowns: a 56-yard pass from quarterback Joe Flacco, and a 108-yard kickoff return.
“I loved Jacoby Jones. We all did,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said 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.”
According to KPRC of Houston, Jones died overnight in his sleep.
“My favorite football play was when Jacoby was talking to his mom in the end zone, just before a late-game kickoff return against the Vikings in a snowstorm shootout. Jacoby then raced to catch the ball and run it back for a touchdown,” Harbaugh said.
During that Super Bowl run, Jones also caught the pass nicknamed the “Mile High Miracle,” a 70-yard touchdown pass that tied the 2012 AFC divisional playoff game against the Denver Broncos with less than a minute left. The Ravens won, 38-35.
Raven’s teammate and Pro Football Hall of Famer Ray Lewis expressed his sadness and dismay over the death of Jones.
“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,” Lewis wrote on X, adding, “Love ya JJ.”
Jones finished his career with 2,733 yards and 14 touchdowns.
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