July 15, 2024
Super Bowl Champion Jacoby Jones Dead at 40
Jones' cause of death has not been released.
Jacoby Jones, a former standout kick returner and wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, San Diego (LA) Chargers, and the Pittsburgh Steelers died in his sleep on July 14. He was 40 years old. No cause of death has been announced at the time of writing.
“Jacoby had the unique ability to connect with everyone he encountered, the Baltimore Ravens said in a statement. “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.”
As The Athletic reports, Jones turned 40 on July 11. He was selected by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2007 NFL draft after attending Lane College. Jones played the first five years of his career in Houston before being released in 2012. From there, Jones signed with the Baltimore Ravens. That season, he became the first player to return two kickoffs for 105 yards or longer in the same season.
Despite his contributions in the 2013 Super Bowl, ironically, that’s not the play Raven fans cherish most from Jones. In a 2023 interview with The Athletic, Jones mentioned that the “Mile High Miracle,” his connection with Joe Flacco during the 2013 NFL playoffs for a 70-yard touchdown that forced overtime and led to a Ravens victory, is the play he is most frequently reminded of.
Before his death, Jones had agreed to become the offensive coordinator for the Beaumont Renegades of the American Football League. Sam Gordon, the GM of the Renegades told The Athletic that Jones was an exceptional human being.
“Jacoby was a God-fearing man who loved his friends and if there were words I could use to describe who he was he was loyal and dedicated to all of us, Gordon said. “If you called, he’d answer. If you needed him somewhere, he would show up.”
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