Super Bowl champion Jacoby Jones of the Baltimore Ravens dies at 40

BALTIMORE – Former wide receiver and kick return specialist Jacoby Jones, who helped the Baltimore Ravens win their last Super Bowl, has died, the Baltimore Ravens confirmed Sunday. He was 40 years old.

Jones’ family said in a statement that he died at his home in New Orleans. Jones celebrated his birthday on 11 July.

“We want to express our gratitude for all the kind thoughts and support you have shown during this challenging time.”
The family shared in 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, an indoor soccer team, in April. He also previously coached football at Morgan State in Baltimore.

“We are saddened to inform you that head coach Jacoby Jones has passed away,” the Beaumont Renegades said in a statement. “He meant a lot to us and we know how much you all loved him. Jacoby was a special football player. He loved every minute of every game and knowing where he was every day was a blessing. But what can be said about him as a football player is only scratching the surface of who he was as a man.”

In nine NFL seasons with Houston, Baltimore, San Diego and Pittsburgh, Jones had 203 catches for 2,733 yards and 14 touchdowns.

He also had 127 punt returns (13.5 yards per return) for four touchdowns and 183 kickoff returns (27 yards per return) for five touchdowns.

In 2017, he signed a one-day contract with the Ravens so he could retire as a member of the team. He was recognized by the Ravens before the AFC divisional game against the Houston Texans last January.

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 to 2014, had a memorable first season in Baltimore.

He was named a Pro Bowl and All-Pro returner in 2012.

In the AFC Divisional Round of the playoffs against the Denver Broncos, Jones caught a 70-yard touchdown pass with 31 seconds remaining to tie the game at 35–35.

The Ravens won on a Justin Tucker field goal in the second overtime.

super bowl sensation

Jones became the first player to score a receiving touchdown and return a kickoff for a touchdown in the Super Bowl.

He led the Baltimore Ravens to the Super Bowl XLVII championship over San Francisco, 34–31, on February 13, 2013.

Jones caught a 56-yard touchdown pass from Joe Flacco to give the Ravens a 21–3 lead at the end of the second quarter. He then started the third quarter with a 108-yard kickoff return, the longest play in Super Bowl or postseason history.

“catastrophic damage”

The Baltimore Ravens released a statement saying that Jones has made a lasting impact on and off the field in his three seasons with the organization.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jacoby Jones,” the Baltimore Ravens said in a statement. “Jacoby had the unique ability to connect with everyone he encountered. His charisma, joy and love created a unique presence that could light up any room or brighten any dark day.”

“Jacoby will be remembered not only for his success on the football field, but also for the lasting personal relationships he built with the Ravens organization, the Baltimore community and countless people in every area he called home. We share our deepest condolences with the family as we begin to process this devastating loss.”

“I loved Jacoby Jones”

Baltimore Ravens head football coach John Harbaugh said he has many favorite memories of Jones, including one with his mother during a game against the Minnesota Vikings.

Harbaugh said, “I loved Jacoby Jones. We all did. His spirit, enthusiasm and love for people were powerful.” “He was a light. He was the darling son of his loving mother, Ms. Emily. My favorite football game was when Jacoby was talking to his mother in the end zone right before the late game kickoff return against the Vikings. Blizzard Shootout. Jacoby then raced to catch the ball and run it back for a touchdown.”