Jacoby Jones, former Ravens WR, dead at 40

Former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones has died, per Ari Meirov. He was 40 years old.

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.

After news broke of Jones’ death, several of his former teammates took to social media to remember the beloved wide receiver.

“Jacoby was one of the most fun-loving teammates and people I’ve ever been around,” former Texans teammate J.J. Watt wrote on X. “Always dancing and laughing, with a permanent smile on his face. Gone far, far too soon. R.I.P Jacoby Jones.”

“My brother!” former Ravens teammate Torrey Smith wrote. “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!”

Former teamates weren’t the only ones who remembered Jones fondly.

“Jacoby Jones was an absolute legend,” ESPN’s Pat McAfee wrote. “He was beloved by literally everybody he met and lit up every room/field he walked into/onto. Rest easy my brother.. we will miss your presence.”

Jones grew up in New Orleans, where he attended St. Augustine High School and Marion Abramson High School. Jones initially went to Southeastern Louisiana University in 2002 on a track scholarship but transferred to the Division II school Lane College to play football in 2003.

At Lane College, Jones became a three-time All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). The Texans selected Jones with the No. 73 overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft.

After retiring, Jones was living in Missouri City. 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.

He died overnight in his sleep. His cause of death is currently unknown.