Former NFL wide receiver Jacoby Jones, a Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion with the Baltimore Ravens, died overnight on Saturday in his Houston-area home, according to multiple reports. Jones, who celebrated his birthday on July 11, had just turned 40. A cause of death is not immediately clear.
Ownership of the Beaumont Renegades, an indoor football league that hired Jones as its inaugural head coach in April, confirmed the former receiver’s death on Sunday. Sam Gordon, the owner of the Renegades, called Jones “the most humble and kind person to anybody” in a phone interview with KPRC 2 Houston on Sunday morning.
Jones played in the NFL for nine season, spending his first five with the Houston Texans before signing with the Ravens in 2012. Jones had a standout season in his first year in Baltimore, being named First Team All-Pro and heading to the Pro Bowl during the Ravens’ championship-winning 2012-2013 season.
During the run-up to Baltimore’s Super Bowl XLVII appearance, Jones caught what is now known as the “Mile High Miracle,” a 70-yard touchdown from quarterback Joe Flacco in the final minute of the AFC Divisional game against the Denver Broncos. The touchdown forced the game into double-overtime, where a game-winning touchdown sent the Ravens to the Super Bowl. Jones then scored two touchdowns during the Super Bowl to give Baltimore the 34-31 win over the San Francisco 49ers.
The Ravens posted a tribute to the late receiver on Sunday, writing in a statement that “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.”
The Ravens also included a statement from head coach John Harbaugh, who coached Jones during his three years in Baltimore. “His spirit, enthusiasm and love for people were powerful. He was a light,” Harbaugh wrote.
The Texans also paid tribute to Jones, extending thoughts and prayers to his family.
We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Jacoby Jones. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/Ny4UBLMwdb
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) July 14, 2024
Some of Jones’ former teammates paid tribute to Jones on social media, including defensive end and Texans legend JJ Watt, as well as wide receiver Torrey Smith, who played with Jones in Baltimore, and quarterback Matt Leinart, who overlapped with Jones for two seasons in Houston.
Jacoby was one of the most fun-loving teammates and people I’ve ever been around. Always dancing and laughing, with a permanent smile on his face.
Gone far, far too soon.
R.I.P Jacoby Jones.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 14, 2024
My brother! 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! pic.twitter.com/r9MZKU4sqb
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) July 14, 2024
My former teammate Jacoby Jones passed. Damn this hits hard. His laugh and just bigger than life personality will be something I’ll always remember. RIP brother 💔
— Matt Leinart (@MattLeinartQB) July 14, 2024
Current Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson also honored Jones in a post.
Jones stayed with the Ravens through three seasons before finishing out his career with brief stints with the San Diego Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers. In September 2017, Jones signed a one-day contract with Baltimore so that he could officially retire as a Raven.
