Super Bowl Hero and Former NFL Wide Receiver Jacoby Jones Passes Away at 40

The sudden death of former NFL wide receiver and Super Bowl hero Jacoby Jones stunned the sports world in shock and grief.

Jones tragically died at his New Orleans home. He had just celebrated his 40th birthday4. Days after Jones was inducted into the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Hall of Fame, a major turning point in his life and career, the devastating news was released.

In a moving message, Jacoby’s family acknowledged his passing. The statement, “Jacoby passed away peacefully at home,” highlighted the presence of his mother Emily and his small son Jacoby Jr., who are currently supporting one another.

During this extremely trying time, the family asked for understanding, privacy, and prayers. Even though the reason of death has not been revealed, the news has caused sadness within and outside of the NFL community.

The tributes came in almost instantly. Former teammate and Houston Texans standout defensive end J.J. Watt expressed his sorrow on Instagram.

Watt recalled Jones’ constant smile and contagious love of dancing when he commented, “Jacoby was one of the most fun-loving teammates and people I’ve ever been around.” Too soon, too far gone. Peace be with you, Jacoby Jones.

Another close friend and teammate, Torrey Smith of the Baltimore Ravens, shared his recollections of Jones on X (previously Twitter). Smith thanked Jacoby for their relationship and called him his “brother” in old pictures of the two of them together.

Smith wrote, “You were 1 of 1, Jacoby,” and vowed to look after Jones’ family. “Your presence, your plays, and your jokes will endure forever.”

During his NFL career, Jacoby Jones is most renowned for his thrilling performances. Jones, a standout wide receiver and return specialist in the league, was selected in the third round after graduating from Lane College.

Because he was instrumental in the Baltimore Ravens’ 2013 Super Bowl XLVII victory, his tenure with the team is especially cherished.

Jones made two memorable plays in that game that will go down in NFL history. In the first, he displayed his trademark speed and elusiveness with a 56-yard touchdown reception.

The second was a kickoff return touchdown of 108 yards, which is still a Super Bowl record. These incidents cemented his reputation as a Super Bowl hero and won him a place in the hearts of Ravens supporters.

The Baltimore Ravens organization expressed their sadness in a statement. The team stated, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Jacoby Jones,” emphasizing his special capacity to make everyone he came into contact with happy. “He had a unique presence that made even the darkest days brighter because of his joy, charm, and love.”

John Harbaugh, the head coach of the Ravens, also offered his thoughts. Harbaugh added, “Jacoby was a light—a man of faith, a beloved teammate, and a cherished son to his mother, Emily.” Before a game-winning kickoff return, he recalled a happy time when Jones and his mother got into a snowball fight in the end zone. Harbaugh recalls, “It was classic Jacoby, full of life and joy.”

Ray Lewis, a member of the Ravens Hall of Fame, joined the chorus of homages. Lewis shared several images of his old teammate and referred to Jones as “a pillar in the community” and a lifelong Raven. Lewis remarked, “You brought so much joy on and off the field and always gave back.” “The memories and the effort you put in cannot be taken away.”

Jones’ influence was not limited to Baltimore. His first NFL team, the Houston Texans, expressed their profound sorrow at Jones’ demise with a sincere message and a black-and-white photo of him. The squad added, “Jacoby’s family and loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers.”

Jones’ legacy was also commemorated by former NFL players and broadcasters. Pat McAfee posted a GIF of Jones dancing after scoring a touchdown and referred to him as “an absolute legend.” According to McAfee, “he lit up every room and field he walked onto.” Jones was hailed by Robert Griffin III as a “triple threat” and a “Baltimore Ravens legend” who thrived on the field, in the locker room, and on the dance floor.

The skills of Jacoby Jones went beyond football. He partnered with professional dancer Karina Smirnoff to participate on the popular show Dancing with the Stars in 2013. Due to their compatibility and Jones’ innate rhythm, the pair advanced to the finals and placed third. One of his hallmarks became his dancing abilities, which were frequently displayed during touchdown celebrations.

As a coach, Jones also contributed to the football community. He started coaching wide receivers at Lane College, his alma school, in 2018. He served as a coach at Calvert Hall High School in Baltimore and Morgan State University over the years. His most recent position was as Alabama State University’s receivers coach, which he assumed in 2022.

Jones was inducted into the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Hall of Fame a few days before to his death. His outstanding collegiate career at Lane College, where he initially demonstrated the abilities that would eventually make him an NFL star, was recognized with the accolade. Jones is also inducted into the Hall of Fame at Lane College and Marion Abramson, his high school in New Orleans.

On social media, fans from all throughout the nation have expressed their sorrow and happy recollections of Jones. “Rest in peace, Jacoby,” one fan commented. Too soon gone. I will always remember the amazing plays you made in Super Bowl XLVII. Another posted pictures of Jones with her kids, praising his kind nature and sincere relationship with followers. She wrote, “He seemed like such a great guy.”

Many people find Jones’ passing to be unbelievable. “Third days following your 40th birthday? Unthinkable,” an admirer wrote on X. Another just added, “Jacob, rest in peace.” We shall miss you.

Despite his untimely death, Jacoby Jones left behind a legacy of happiness, excellence, and selflessness. Jones had a lasting impression on everyone he came into contact with, whether it was by encouraging the next generation as a coach, dazzle spectators on the football field, or delight viewers on Dancing with the Stars. The highlights, tales, and smiles that Jacoby Jones left behind will endure as the NFL community and fans around the world continue to grieve.