Former NFL wide receiver and return specialist Jacoby Jones passed away peacefully at his home in New Orleans on Sunday. Jones, who had just celebrated his 40th birthday, leaves behind a legacy that has resonated deeply within the football community, particularly with the Baltimore Ravens, where he played a pivotal role in their 2012 Super Bowl triumph.
The Baltimore Ravens released a heartfelt statement expressing their deepest condolences to Jones' family. "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."
Jones is perhaps best known for his record-setting performance in Super Bowl XLVII, where he recorded the longest kickoff return in Super Bowl and postseason history with a 108-yard touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers. In the same game, he also hauled in a 56-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Joe Flacco, contributing to his staggering 290 total yards, a Super Bowl record. These heroics helped lift the Ravens to a 34-31 victory, cementing Jones' place in NFL history.
Jones' contributions were not limited to the Super Bowl. In the AFC divisional round that same year, he scored a crucial 70-yard receiving touchdown against the Denver Broncos, helping Baltimore win 38-35 in double-overtime. His exploits on the field earned him First-Team All-Pro returner honors and a Pro Bowl selection.
An Impact Player
Jones’ career in the NFL began when he was drafted in the third round by the Houston Texans in 2007. He spent his first five seasons in Houston, where he set the Texans' franchise record for career punt return average at 10.2 yards. In 2012, he joined the Ravens and immediately made his presence felt with the highest career kickoff return average (30.1 yards) in Ravens’ history and the highest single-season kickoff return average (30.7 yards in 2012).
Reflecting on his former player, Ravens head coach John 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 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."
Jones' career included brief stints with the Chargers and Steelers in 2015 before he officially retired as a Raven in 2016. Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin also expressed his condolences: "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."
Life After the NFL
After his playing days, Jones continued to share his passion for football by serving as the head coach for the Beamont Renegades football club in Beaumont, Texas. Sam Gordon, owner of the Renegades, highlighted Jones' character and faith: "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."
Jacoby Jones is survived by his son, also named Jacoby, and his mother, Emily. The statements and outpouring of love from those who knew him best paint a picture of a man who was not only a formidable football player but also someone who left an indelible impact on those around him. His legacy will continue to inspire both current and future generations of football players.
The NFL Players Union has also issued a statement on behalf of the Jones family, emphasizing the deep loss felt by the entire football community. As friends, family, teammates, and fans begin to process this loss, the memories of Jacoby Jones’ electrifying plays and his kindness off the field will endure.