NFL receiver Jacoby Jones, part of the Baltimore Ravens winning Super Bowl XLVII team best known for the “Mile High Miracle”, has died at the age of the age of 40. The cause of Jones’ death was not immediately available.
The Houston Texans — Jones’ team for the first five seasons of his career — first announced his death Sunday; and later in a statement released through the NFL Players Association, Jones’ family shared that he died “peacefully” at his home in New Orleans: “The family, including his mother, Emily and his son, Little Jacoby, are together and are asking for prayers, privacy, and support as they navigate through this difficult time.”
The Ravens said in a statement Sunday that “Jacoby had the unique ability to connect with everyone he encountered. His charisma, joy and love created a one-of-a-kind presence that could light up any room or brighten any dark day.”
Jones, a nine-year NFL veteran, played from 2007-15 for the Texans, Baltimore Ravens, San Diego Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers, and he made several huge plays for the Ravens during their most recent Super Bowl title season. His 108-yard kickoff return in 2013 remains the longest touchdown in Super Bowl history. In the Super Bowl that postseason against San Francisco, Jones caught a 56-yard touchdown pass from eventual game MVP QB Joe Flacco, racing 108 yards to the end zone to open the second half and give Baltimore a 28-6 lead. The Ravens held on for a 34-31 victory.
Jones was a key part of Baltimore’s “Mile High Miracle” during a playoff game at Denver in January 2013. where he caught a 70-yard touchdown pass with 31 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to tie the score (the Ravens eventually won in double overtime). He finished his career with 203 receptions for 2,733 yards and 14 touchdowns as a receiver and scored an additional nine TDs as a returner (five kickoffs, four punts) in 128 total regular-season games.
Jones was also known for his flamboyant personality, and his end zone dances that made him famous amongst fans and teammates. Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in a statement: “I loved Jacoby Jones. We all did. 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 … His spirit, enthusiasm and love for people were powerful. He was a light. My favorite Jacoby personal moment was every time I saw his smiling face full of joy.”
Jones made The Associated Press All-Pro team as a kick returner for the 2012 season; shortly thereafter, he appeared on “Dancing With The Stars.”
Editorial credit: kovop / Shutterstock.com