Former NFL wide receiver Jacoby Jones has passed away at the age of 40.
The Baltimore Sun’s Brian Wacker and ESPN’s Jamison Hensley confirmed Jones’ passing on Sunday morning. His death has left a deep impact on the NFL community, with many of his former teammates and colleagues expressing their grief and sharing tributes on social media.
“My brother! I thank God for the memories and your impact on this world,” former Baltimore Ravens teammate Torrey Smith wrote. “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!”
“This sucks. Jacoby was as funny a teammate and happy a person I had ever shared locker room with,” said ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky, who played with Jones on the Houston Texans in 2010. “RIP.”
“Jacoby Jones was an absolute legend,” Pat McAfee wrote. “He was beloved by literally everybody he met and lit up every room/field he walked into/onto. Rest easy my brother… we will miss your presence.”
“This hits hard,” Matt Leinart said. “His laugh and just bigger than life personality will be something I’ll always remember. RIP brother.”
“Jacoby was one of the most fun-loving teammates and people I’ve ever been around,” former Texans star JJ Watt said. “Always dancing and laughing, with a permanent smile on his face. Gone far, far too soon.”
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Jones was renowned for his remarkable abilities as a return specialist. He earned an All-Pro distinction in 2012 for returning one punt and two kickoffs for touchdowns during the regular season. However, it was his postseason performance that left an indelible mark on fans.
In what’s now labeled the “Mile High Miracle,” Jones scored a 70-yard touchdown in the final minute of an AFC Divisional Round victory over the Denver Broncos. He later added to his legend by scoring a 56-yard receiving touchdown and a 108-yard kickoff return touchdown in a thrilling 34-31 Super Bowl victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
Jones’ NFL career spanned five seasons with the Houston Texans and three with the Baltimore Ravens, before playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers and San Diego Chargers in 2015. Over the course of his career, he amassed 11,351 all-purpose yards, including playoffs, and scored 10 return touchdowns.
Jones’ vibrant personality, infectious laughter, and knack for making game-changing plays made him a beloved figure in the NFL. His passing is not only a loss to those who knew him personally but also to the countless fans who admired his talent and spirit.
