Former NFL player Jacoby Jones dies at age 40

Former Ravens quarterback and Super Bowl 47 star Jacoby Jones has died, the team announced early Sunday morning.

He was 40 years old. The cause of death has not been announced.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jacoby Jones,” the Ravens said in a statement. “Jacoby had the unique ability to connect with everyone he met. His charm, joy and love created a one-of-a-kind presence that could light up any room or brighten any dark day.”

“Jacoby will be long remembered not only for his success on the football field, but also for the lasting personal relationships he built with countless people in the Ravens organization, the Baltimore community, and every area he called home.”

Jones, a Louisiana native, played for the Ravens for just three seasons, from 2012 to 2014, but he left an indelible mark on the team with his performance in the Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers. He scored a 56-yard touchdown and a 108-yard field goal to open the second half, helping Baltimore to a 34-31 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.

He also scored the game-tying 70-yard field goal in the final seconds of regulation in the Ravens’ divisional playoff game that season against the Denver Broncos, dubbed the “Mile High Miracle,” which Baltimore won in double overtime. It was voted the greatest moment in team history on the NFL’s centennial anniversary in 2019.

“I loved Jacoby Jones. We all loved him. His spirit, his enthusiasm, his love for people was strong. He was a light. He was a dear son to his loving mother, Mrs. Emily. They were very close. He was a man of faith,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in a statement.

“My favorite play in football was when Jacoby was talking to his mom in the end zone, before a late kickoff return against the Vikings in a shootout in a snowstorm. Then Jacoby rushed to catch the ball and ran it back for a touchdown. My favorite personal moment with Jacoby was every time I saw his smiling, joyful face. Rest in peace Jacoby, in the arms of Jesus.”

“I was one of the ones!” teammates recalled former Ravens star Jacoby Jones.

Jones, who played at Lane College and was a third-round pick of the Houston Texans in 2007, spent nine seasons in the NFL and also played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and then the San Diego Chargers after his time in Baltimore.

In September 2017, Jones signed a one-day contract with the Ravens so he could retire as a member of the franchise.

Jones holds the RAFs’ record for the most kickoff returns in a career (four), the most kickoff returns in a single season (two) and the longest kickoff return in team history, having also returned two more for 108 yards against the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers.

He was a Pro Bowl returner and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2012, finishing his career with 203 passes, 2,733 yards and 125 scores. He also recorded 4,940 yards and five scores as a punt returner and 2,688 yards and four scores as a kick returner.

This article will be updated.