BALTIMORE – Jacoby Jones, the former wide receiver and return specialist who helped the Baltimore Ravens win their last Super Bowl, has died, the Baltimore Ravens confirmed Sunday. He was 40 years old.
Jones’ family said in a statement that he died at his home in New Orleans. Jones celebrated his birthday on July 11.
“We want to thank you for all the kind thoughts and support you have shown us during this difficult time,”
the family shared a statement through the NFL Players Association. “Your continued support and respect for our privacy means a lot to us.”
Jones was promoted in April to head coach of the Beaumont Renegades, an indoor soccer team. He also coached football at Morgan State in Baltimore.
“We are sorry to bring you the news that Head Coach Jacoby Jones has passed away,” the Beaumont Renegades said in a statement. “He meant a lot to us and we know how much he was loved by all of you. Jacoby was a special football player. He loved every minute of the game. each and knowing where he was every day was a blessing. But what can be said about him as a football player just looking at what who was he.”
In nine NFL seasons with Houston, Baltimore, San Diego and Pittsburgh, Jones had 203 catches for 2,733 yards and 14 touchdowns.
He also had 127 punt returns (13.5 yards per return) for four touchdowns and 183 kickoff returns (27 yards per return) for five touchdowns.
Jones was recently named the head coach of the new Beaumont Renegades indoor soccer team.
“Mile High Miracle”
Jones, who played for the Baltimore Ravens from 2012 to 2014, had a memorable season in Baltimore.
He was named a Pro Bowl and All-Pro returner in 2012.
In the AFC Divisional Round of the playoffs against the Denver Broncos, Jones caught a 70-yard touchdown with 31 seconds left in regulation to tie the game at 35–35.
The Ravens won the second period of overtime on a field goal by Justin Tucker.
Super Bowl sensation
Jones became the first player to score a receiving touchdown and return a touchdown in the Super Bowl.
He led the Baltimore Ravens to a Super Bowl XLVII victory over San Francisco, 34–31, on March 13, 2013.
Jones caught a 56-yard touchdown pass from Joe Flacco to give the Ravens a 21-3 lead late in the second quarter. He then opened the third quarter with a 108-yard kickoff return, the longest in Super Bowl or postseason history.
“Devastating Loss”
The Baltimore Ravens released a statement saying Jones, in his three seasons with the organization, had a lasting impact on the field.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Jacoby Jones,” the Baltimore Ravens said in a statement. “Jacoby had a unique ability to connect with everyone he met. His charm, joy and love made for a unique presence. can light up any room or light up any dark day.”
“Jacoby will be long remembered not only for his success on the football field, but for the lasting personal relationships he made with so many people in the Ravens organization, the Baltimore community and beyond and the one he called home. We share our deepest condolences with the Jacoby family as we all begin to deal with this devastating loss.”
“I loved Jacoby Jones”
Baltimore Ravens head football coach John Harbaugh said he has many of his favorite memories of Jones, including his mother during a game against the Minnesota Vikings.
“I loved Jacoby Jones. We all did. His spirit, his enthusiasm and his love for people was strong,” Harbaugh said. “He was a light. He was the beloved son of his loving mother, Mrs. Emily. My favorite football game was when Jacoby was talking to his mother. in the end zone, before the last game against the Vikings in a blizzard shootout, Jacoby ran to catch the ball and return it for a touchdown.
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