Ravens Legend, Jacoby Jones, Dead at 40
Jones played for Baltimore from 2012-2014, making an All-Pro team and was a key part of their Super Bowl 47 Championship roster!
It was reported early Sunday morning by a confirmed Baltimore Ravens source, WJZ, that retired Ravens star wide receiver Jacoby Jones, has passed away. Jones was with the Ravens from 2012-2014, where he was a part of the team’s Super Bowl 47 win.
There is no confirmed reason of death for the deceased 40 year old.
Jones, a third round pick of the Houston Texans’ in the 2007 NFL draft, spent nine seasons in the league; five with Houston, three with Baltimore and one season with the Pittsburgh Steelers and San Diego Chargers.
His career year came in 2012, his first season with Baltimore. In that season, Jones played all 16 regular season games, totaling 30 receptions for 406 yards and a touchdown. However, where he made his impact was on special teams, as the Ravens primary kick and punt returner. He accumulated 1,508 total return yards on a total of 77 returns for three touchdowns.
He was awarded Pro Bowl and All-Pro status for his play in this category. In fact, Jones led the NFL in kick return touchdowns and longest kick return run in 2012 and 2014, both with Baltimore. He averaged 30.7 and 30.6 yards per return respectively in those two seasons.
But it was in the postseason during that 2012-2013 Super Bowl year where his presence was shown most. Jones caught five passes for 147 yards and two touchdowns, along with 472 total return yards and a kickoff return touchdown.
Two memorable plays come to mind for Ravens fans when looking back at Jones’ postseason impact. The Mile High Miracle: Baltimore had 3rd & 3 at their own 30 yard line with 0:41 seconds left, down seven in Denver. With basically their season on the line, QB Joe Flacco stepped up and heaved it down to the field to none other than Jacoby Jones, who took it the rest of the way for a game-tying, 70-yard touchdown. The Ravens ended up winning that game in double-overtime and moving on to the AFC Championship in New England.
The other memorable play came in Super Bowl 47 that same year during the first play of the second half. Baltimore, already leading 21-6, got a huge play from Jacoby Jones on a kickoff return, seamlessly moving around many 49ers’ defenders in route to an 109-yard return TD to extend Baltimore’s lead to three possessions. He also caught a touchdown in that game. Many argue to this day that Jacoby Jones should have won Super Bowl MVP for his performance in the game.
In fact, Jones holds three NFL records for the performance; longest play, longest kickoff return and most all-purpose. He also holds many franchise records for the Texas & Ravens such as most career all-purpose yards (Houston), and most career kickoff return touchdowns (Baltimore).
“I think the moments that stand out [for me], the Mile High Miracle in Denver, and then the other play is another Jacoby Jones play, the start of the second half of the Super Bowl against the 49ers, when he takes a kick [109 yards] for a touchdown,” longtime Ravens Play By Play announcer Gerry Sandusky said on a recent interview on the Cool Sports Network in regards to his favorite Ravens moments.
“The Mile High Miracle because everybody thought it was lost. The play was magnificent. It was so exciting because from my perspective in the booth, I’m watching the arc of the ball. And luckily, he suffocates that ball and takes it into the end zone, and the rest is history. And [the kickoff return in Super Bowl 47] was just one of my favorite calls because it was so electric, the stakes were so high.”
The two-time Emmy-award winner said this on a pre-recorder interview on July 9, 2024, five days before the reported death of the Ravens legend. Sandusky, a friend of Jones’, took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express his emotions.
@GerrySandusky on X: Devastated to hear the news of Jacoby Jones passing. He was the rare person who lit up a room just by walking in it. At the Super Bowl ring celebration he lit up the dance floor (even tried to teach me how to dance better). He was pure joy in motion. God speed my friend.
Gerry’s heartfelt message is what most thought of Jacoby Jones. A funny and likable guy with incredible dance moves. His former teammate, WR Torrey Smith, also commented on his personality.
@TorrySmithWR on X: 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!
The New Orleans native had so much rhythm on the dance floor that he actually participated in the 16th Dancing with the Stars, where he and his dancing partner, Karina Smirnoff, placed third overall.
Jacoby continued his love for football beyond his career. He served on the sidelines in multiple coaching positions after his retirement in 2017, beginning as a Division-2 football coach, and eventually working his way up as the wide receivers coach at Alabama State University for the last three years of his life.
@BamaStateSports on X: Alabama State Athletics is saddened to learn of the passing of Jacoby Jones. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jacoby's family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time
@MorganStBears on X: Our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends, and loved ones of former @MSUBearsFB tight end coach and @Ravens legend Jacoby Jones. Rest in Peace
Jones had an amazing career in other areas, but his three years in Baltimore is where his career will be remembered. He signed a one-day contract to retire as a Baltimore Raven, and many involved in the organization as well as some of his former teammates and coaches from other teams have commented on his tragic death.
(Texans teammate JJ Watt, Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, ESPN Analyst and former Ravens QB Robert Griffin III, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin, the Baltimore Ravens and Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh)
@JJWatt on X: 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.
@Lj_era8 on X: na bra no way RIP LEGEND
@RGIII on X: Prayers up for the family, friends and loved ones of Baltimore Ravens Legend and Super Bowl Champion Jacoby Jones who passed away at the age of 40. He was a triple threat. Funny, fast and could dance. He will be missed and was taken from us way too soon.
@CoachTomlin on X: 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.
@Ravens on X: 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…
@Ravens on X: “I loved Jacoby Jones. We all did. His spirit, enthusiasm and love for people were powerful. He was a light." [- John Harbaugh]
Ray Lewis, Pro Football Hall of Famer, a teammate of Jacoby’s on the Super Bowl 47 winning team and a good friend of Jones’, also wrote a tribute on X, formerly known as Twitter, to express his emotions on the tragedy.
@raylewis: 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, a @Ravens for life. Love ya JJ
There are also many more tributes and heartfelt messages on this tragedy throughout social media. I’d suggest looking at a few of them to bring back some of that amazing Jacoby Jones magic.
We will continue to find more information about the cause of his death. However, it is a tragedy to see a living-legend pass away far too soon. From the Cool Sports Newsletter, we send our condolences to those who were connected or were close to Jones’ in some capacity. Rest In Peace to a Ravens legend who will never be forgotten.
Chase Coburn
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So sad