NFL wide receiver Jacoby Jones, who played with the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens and who helped the Ravens win Super Bowl XLVII scoring two touchdowns, has died, his former teams announced Sunday.
Jones was 40 years old.
“We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Jacoby Jones. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time,” the Texans wrote on social media platform X.
Jones, a native of New Orleans, was drafted by the Texans in the third round of the 2007 draft.
He played five seasons for the Texans and then signed with the Baltimore Ravens, where he would go on to help the team win Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers at the end of the 2012 season.
In the 34-31 Super Bowl victory, Jones scored two touchdowns: a 56-yard pass from quarterback Joe Flacco, and a 108-yard kickoff return.
“I loved Jacoby Jones. We all did,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. “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.”
Jones died overnight in his sleep, NBC affiliate KPRC of Houston reported.
No cause of death was announced by either NFL team.
“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,” Harbaugh said.
As a Raven, Jones also caught the pass dubbed the “Mile High Miracle,” a 70-yard touchdown pass that tied the 2012 AFC playoff game against the Denver Broncos with less than a minute left. The Ravens won, 38-35.
Former Raven and Pro Football Hall of Famer Ray Lewis, who played with Jones, was among those expressing his shock and sadness over Jones’ death.
“My brother, you will truly be missed. They can’t take the memories and the hard work you put in on and off the football field. You always gave back and always a pillar in the community,” Lewis wrote on X, adding “Love ya JJ.”
Jones also played for the then-San Diego Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers. He ended his NFL career with 2,733 yards and 14 touchdowns.