The sporting world is still trying to deal with the tragic news that former Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens wide receiver and kick returner Jacoby Jones is dead.
Jones, a former Texans wide receiver and third-round draft pick from Lane College who emerged as a record-setting Super Bowl standout as a kickoff returner for the Baltimore Ravens, tragically died in his sleep at his home mere days after celebrating his 40th birthday.
No cause of death was immediately announced as of yet. He is survived by his mother, Emily, and his son, Jacoby.
What had NFL fans even more heartbroken was Jacoby Jones’ final Instagram post.
He was a man who did not share much online, which is why his final post was way back in December 2023.
In a shared post with the NFL and Ravens, they celebrated his record-breaking Super Bowl XLVII performance against the San Francisco 49ers, where the third-round draft pick went insanely viral by opening up the second half by bringing the ball deep out of the end zone to return a kickoff for a 108-yard touchdown.
That moment still stands as the longest-scoring play in Super Bowl history.
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Here is how fans responded in the comments:
Also, in that game, Jacoby Jones became the first player in Super Bowl history to record both a receiving touchdown and a return touchdown.
Many thought at the time he should’ve been the Super Bow MVP following the Ravens’ 34-31 win over the 49ers.
Jones was just promoted in April to be the head coach of the Beaumont Renegades, an indoor football team.
The NFL Speaks Out About Jacoby Jones Sudden Death
Jacoby Jones, former wide receiver and kick return specialist, tragically died on Sunday at the age of 40.
The Jones family said in a statement that he died at his home in New Orleans.
Baltimore Ravens head football coach John Harbaugh was one of many who spoke out, saying, “I loved Jacoby Jones. We all did. His spirit, enthusiasm, and love for people were powerful,” Harbaugh said. “He was a light. He was the cherished son of his loving mom, Ms. Emily. 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.”
“We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Jacoby Jones,” the Texans said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.”
Former Texans defensive end J.J. Watt posted, “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. R.I.P Jacoby Jones.”
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.
R.I.P Jacoby Jones.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 14, 2024
“He was the best, he loved everyone,” Sam Gordon, owner of the Beaumont Renegades, told KPRC 2 in Houston.
“I think one of the most important things is he was a man of God. He was proud of how much he loved and feared his God. What was most important to him after football was helping the next person in line. He was the most humble and kind person to anybody who gave him the time and needed the time from him.”
