Jacoby Jones Passes Away at 40
Former NFL wide receiver and return specialist Jacoby Jones passed away peacefully at his home in New Orleans on Sunday. Jones, who had just turned 40 days earlier, left an indelible mark on the NFL, particularly for his crucial contributions to the Baltimore Ravens' 2012 Super Bowl triumph.
Jones holds the record for the longest kickoff return in both Super Bowl and postseason history, executing a breathtaking 108-yard touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII. His performance in that game was legendary; he also hauled in a 56-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Joe Flacco, contributing significantly to the Ravens' 34-31 victory. Jones amassed an astounding total of 290 yards in Super Bowl XLVII, setting a record for the most total yards in a Super Bowl game.
“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 Jacoby personal moment was every time I saw his smiling face full of joy. Rest in peace, Jacoby, in the arms of Jesus,” said Ravens head coach John Harbaugh.
Jones' heroics weren't confined to the Super Bowl. In the AFC divisional round that same year, he scored a crucial 70-yard receiving touchdown against the Denver Broncos in a dramatic double-overtime victory, helping Baltimore win 38-35. His exceptional performance throughout the season earned him First-Team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl selection.
The Baltimore Ravens expressed their sorrow through a heartfelt statement: “We are completely heartbroken to learn about the passing of Jacoby Jones. 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.”
Drafted in the third round by the Houston Texans in 2007, Jones spent his first five NFL seasons in Houston, where he set the franchise record for career punt return average at 10.2 yards. He left Houston and joined the Ravens in 2012, where he solidified his place as one of the most memorable return specialists in the history of the league. Jones holds the Ravens’ records for the highest career kickoff return average (30.1 yards) and the highest single-season kickoff return average (30.7 yards in 2012).
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, who briefly coached Jones during his time with the team in 2015, also remembered him fondly. "My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family of Jacoby Jones during this difficult time. I enjoyed coaching him during his time with the Steelers,” Tomlin said.
After his tenure with the Ravens, Jones had short stints with the Chargers and Steelers in 2015. He officially retired as a Raven in 2016. Post-retirement, Jones dedicated himself to coaching, serving as the head coach for the Beamont Renegades football club in Beaumont, Texas.
Sam Gordon, owner of the Beamont Renegades, reflected on Jones' character off the field: “He was the best, he loved everyone. I think one of the most important things is he was a man of God. He was proud of how much he loved and feared his God. What was most important to him after football was helping the next person in line. He was the most humble and kind person to anybody who gave him the time and needed the time from him.”
Jones leaves behind a legacy characterized not only by his remarkable achievements on the football field but also by his profound impact on those who knew him personally. He is survived by his son, also named Jacoby, and his mother, Emily.
As the football community mourns the loss of a standout player and cherished individual, Jacoby Jones' contributions to the sport and the lives he touched will not be forgotten.