The Baltimore Ravens honored former wide receiver Jacoby Jones and offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris on Sunday after both passed away over the summer.
Jones’ mother and son were overwhelmed with emotion during the pregame ceremony as both appeared to be weeping prior to Baltimore’s defeat to the visiting Las Vegas Raiders. Jones’ mother, Emily London-Jones, and son, Coby, then ended their embrace and waved to the crowd in a show of appreciation.
The 40-year-old wide receiver died from hypertensive cardiovascular disease, which is caused by long-term high blood pressure.
D’Alessandris died in late August due to complications from surgery. He had been Baltimore’s offensive line coach from 2017 until his death and had been working in football since becoming a graduate assistant at his alma mater, Western Carolina, in 1977.
Ravens fans mourned both D’Alessandris and Jones during Sunday’s ceremony, the latter of whom was instrumental in the team’s last Super Bowl title.
Former NFL player Jacoby Jones’ mother, Emily London-Jones, right, and son, Jacoby Jr., embrace during a ceremony on Sunday before the Ravens hosted the Raiders
Former Ravens receiver Jacoby Jones died in July as a result of a heart condition
The Ravens hold a moment of silence in memory of Jacoby Jones and Joe D’Alessandris
a July statement from the NFLPA on behalf of his family. It was in that same city 11 years earlier that he caught one touchdown and scored a Super Bowl-record 108-yard kick return in a Ravens’ victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
‘If I were them, I wouldn’t kick it to me, not at all,’ Jones told reporters heading into Super Bowl XLVII in February of 2013.
Jones was proven right in the third quarter when San Francisco’s David Akers sent a kickoff directly at the former third-round draft pick. Although he caught the ball eight yards deep in the end zone, Jones never considered taking a knee, instead running up through the heart of the 49ers’ coverage and beating the final would-be tackler before even reaching the 50-yard line. An elaborate touchdown dance soon followed as Baltimore took a 27-6 lead.
After the 34-31 win, which included his own 56-yard touchdown catch, Jones told reporters in his hometown that he felt ‘like a million dollars.’
‘He will always be remembered for his amazing Superbowl (sic) and kick return he had against the 49ers,’ one fan wrote on X.
‘Jacoby Jones scored three of the most exciting TDs in NFL playoff history to help the @Ravens win their second Super Bowl,’ read an ESPN radio post, referencing his two Super Bowl scores and a touchdown in Denver weeks earlier.
Late Baltimore Ravens offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris, who was also honored Sunday
Jacoby Jones #12 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates his record 108-yard kickoff return
Dubbed the ‘mile-high miracle’, Jones’ 70-yard touchdown reception with 31 seconds remaining in the Divisional-round matchup with the Broncos tied the game, which Baltimore ultimately won in double overtime.
Jones played for the Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, San Diego Chargers, and Pittsburgh Steelers between 2007 and 2015. He is best remembered for his contributions to the Ravens en route to Baltimore’s Super Bowl XLVII victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
Jones’ family also thanked the public for the outpouring of condolences they’ve received.
‘We want to express our gratitude for all the kind thoughts and support you have shown us during this challenging time,’ read the family statement in July. ‘Your ongoing support and respecting our privacy means a lot to us.’
Tributes have poured in for the former wide receiver, who went on wider fame in Dancing with the Stars.
Taking to X, JJ Watt wrote: ‘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.’
Pat McAfee added: ‘Jacoby Jones was an absolute legend. He was beloved by literally everybody he met and lit up every room he walked into.’
Torrey Smith, who won the Super Bowl with Jones in 2013, said: ‘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 [and] Lil Coby’s back for life! This one hurt me man! We are going to miss you! Love you bro!’
Mark Andrews (89) wears a sticker on his helmet in memory of Ravens player Jacoby Jones
Jones runs back a 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the third quarter
It has been reported that Jones died overnight at his home in New Orleans, just three days after his 40th birthday. He is survived by one teenage son, named Coby.
News of his death was confirmed shortly before midday, when the NFL tweeted: ‘The NFL is heartbroken to hear of the passing of Super Bowl champion Jacoby Jones. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.’
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh also released a statement, which read: ‘I loved Jacoby Jones. We all did. 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.
‘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.
‘My favorite Jacoby personal moment was every time I saw his smiling face full of Joy. Rest in peace, Jacoby, in the arms of Jesus.’
