On July 14, just days after turning 40, Super Bowl champion Jacoby Jones was found dead in his home.
Jones, who was also known for his impressive dancing on the TV show *Dancing with the Stars*, is remembered as someone whose smile could brighten any dark day.
On the football field, he played a key role in helping the Baltimore Ravens win the Super Bowl in 2013.
Former NFL receiver Jacoby Jones, known for his record-breaking 108-yard kickoff return in the 2013 Super Bowl, was found dead at home on Sunday, July 14.
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Throughout his NFL career from 2007 to 2015, Jones played for the Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, San Diego Chargers, and Pittsburgh Steelers. He made many memorable plays for the Ravens, including one in the Super Bowl that led to their victory.
It was in that game where he set a record with a 108-yard kick return touchdown, the longest in Super Bowl history. This play helped the Ravens secure a 34-31 win over the San Francisco 49ers, marking the 49ers’ first-ever Super Bowl loss.
Jones, a third-round draft pick by the Texans in 2007, was also the first player in Super Bowl history to score both a receiving touchdown and a return touchdown in the same game.
On July 14, the Texans, Jones’ team from 2007 to 2011, announced his death on social media, honoring him as a “football hero.”
“We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Jacoby Jones. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time,” the Houston Texans posted. The message was shared alongside a black-and-white photo of Jones in his Texans jersey.
According to a statement from the NFL Players Association, Jones’s family confirmed he passed away at his home in New Orleans, the city where he was born.
The Baltimore Ravens, the team Jones signed a one-day contract with in 2017 to retire as a Raven, also shared a heartfelt message expressing their sadness over his loss.
“Jacoby had the unique ability to connect with everyone he met. His charisma, joy, and love created a special presence that could light up any room or make a dark day brighter,” the Ravens shared in a Facebook post on July 14.
Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta also shared his memories, calling Jones a “football hero.” He remembered, “I stood next to him at the Super Bowl, hugging him after the game and sharing that moment with him and his mom. Jacoby will be remembered as a champion and celebrated in Baltimore as a football hero. I’ll always remember his smile, his infectious personality, and the joy he brought to this city. My condolences go out to his family.”
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh reflected on Jones’s warmth and vibrant personality. “I loved Jacoby Jones. We all did. His spirit, enthusiasm, and love for people were powerful. He was a light,” Harbaugh said. “My favorite moments with Jacoby were every time I saw his smiling face full of joy. Rest in peace, Jacoby, in the arms of Jesus.”
Karina Smirnoff, Jones’s former dance partner on *Dancing with the Stars*, also expressed her sadness with a heartfelt message on Instagram.
“I’m so heartbroken and shocked. The world lost one of its finest,” wrote Karina Smirnoff, Jacoby Jones’s dance partner from *Dancing with the Stars*. She shared several photos of them performing together in 2013. “Coby was one of the funniest, coolest, kindest people I’ve met. He was always in a great mood. Big Moe, I’ll miss you so much! I’ll miss your jokes! I’ll miss you calling me Lil Moe. #RIPJJ.”
Torrey Smith, who played with Jones in the Super Bowl XLVII game, also paid tribute. He shared a heartfelt message on social media: “My brother! I thank God for the memories and your impact on this world. You were one of a kind! Your play on the field and jokes will live on forever! We have Momma Jones and Lil Coby’s back for life! This one hurt me, man! We are going to miss you! Love you, bro!”
In a statement, Jones’s family expressed their sadness: “We are deeply saddened to share that Jacoby Jones, a beloved former Ravens football player from New Orleans and a proud graduate of a historically Black college, has passed away at the age of 40. We want to express our gratitude for all the kind thoughts and support you have shown us during this challenging time. Your ongoing support and respecting our privacy means a lot to us.”
Mickey Clemons Jr., one of Jones’s high school teammates, told WDSU News, “You got his back. He got your back. We’re not leaving any man behind. That was his motto.” He added, “I am him. He would always say, ‘I am him.’ He’s probably laughing at me now. But his legacy will always go on here.”
Another former teammate, Derek Patterson, shared his regret about not answering Jones’s call before he passed away. “I remember seeing ‘Jacoby12’ calling my phone. I said, ‘I’ll call him back.’ I know he’s mad at me. Because when I don’t answer, he gets mad at me,” Patterson said, reflecting on his last missed call from his friend. The next morning, Patterson got a call from his son, who told him that Jones had passed away. “You always wish you could do more. Or say more. That’s what’s eating me up. Make sure you pick up. Answer the phone,” Patterson added.
Jones’s cause of death has not yet been released.
Rest in peace, Jacoby Jones.
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