Jacoby Jones, NFL Great and Dancing With the Stars Finalist, Dead at 40
Super Bowl champion Jacoby Jones, a former wide receiver and kick return specialist for the Baltimore Ravens, has died, the National Football League (NFL) confirms. He was 40 years old.
A cause of death has not been disclosed as of press time.
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“We are completely heartbroken to learn about 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 one-of-a-kind presence that could light up any room or brighten any dark day. Jacoby will long be remembered not just for his success on the football field, but for the lasting personal connections he made with countless people in the Ravens organization, Baltimore community and every area he called home. We share our deepest condolences with Jacoby’s family as we all begin to process this devastating loss.”
Added head coach John Harbaugh: “I loved Jacoby Jones. We all did. 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. 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. My favorite Jacoby personal moment was every time I saw his smiling face full of Joy. Rest in peace, Jacoby, in the arms of Jesus.”
Jones’ NFL career started in 2007, when he was drafted by the Houston Texans. He went on to play for the Baltimore Ravens from 2012 to 2014. (For his debut season with the Ravens, he was named a Pro Bowl and All-Pro returner.)
During a memorable divisional-round playoff game against the Denver Broncos, Jones caught a 70-yard touchdown pass from Joe Flacco, with 31 seconds left to force overtime. The Ravens went on to defeat the Broncos in double overtime, 38-35, and the catch was dubbed the “Mile High Miracle.” Then in Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers, he became the first player in Super Bowl history to score both a receiving touchdown and return touchdown in the same game.
After being released by the Ravens in 2015, Jones played briefly for both the San Diego Chargers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. In September 2017, he retired with the Ravens after signing a one-day contract.
His post-NFL career included a college coaching gig at Morgan State University, and an indoor football coaching stint in Houston, for the Beaumont Renegades.
Jones also competed during Season 16 of ABC’s Dancing With the Stars, where he came in third place with dance pro Karina Smirnoff.
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