Baltimore Ravens, John Harbaugh offer heartfelt tribute to late Jacoby Jones

Former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones died on Sunday. He was 40. Along with many others, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh released a statement, remembering Jones.

“I loved Jacoby Jones. We all did,” Harbaugh wrote. “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 football play was when Jacoby was talking to his mom in the end zone, just before a late-game kickoff return against the Vikings in a snowstorm shootout. Jacoby then raced to catch the ball and run it back for a touchdown.

“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 played nine seasons in the NFL. Along with the Ravens, he played for the Houston Texans, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the San Diego Chargers. He finished his career with 203 catches, 2,733 yards and 125 touchdowns.

He also tallied 4,940 yards as a kick returner, along with five touchdowns, 2,688 yards and four touchdowns as a punt returner. For his efforts in 2012, he was an All-Pro returner and Pro Bowl selection.

Jones is perhaps best known for his standout performance in Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers. Jones opened the second half of the game with a 108-yard touchdown kick return, the longest play in Super Bowl history.

Along with Harbaugh, the Baltimore Ravens released a statement about Jones’ death.

“We are completely heartbroken to learn about the passing of Jacoby Jones,” the Ravens wrote. “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.”

The Beaumont Renegades, an indoor football team, hired Jones this year to be their head coach and offensive coordinator. Jones also had coaching stints at Lane College, Calvert Hall College, Morgan State and Alabama State.

Jacoby Jones died overnight in his sleep in his home in Houston, Texas. His cause of death is currently unknown.