Jacoby Jones, Ravens Super Bowl Hero, Dies at 40

Jacoby Jones, former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver has died at the age of 40. Jones, known for his key role in the Ravens’ Super Bowl XLVII victory in 2013, passed away peacefully at his home in New Orleans, Louisiana, according to a statement from the NFL Players Association on behalf of his family. Jones enjoyed an eight-season career in the NFL, initially drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2007 draft. He played for the Texans until 2011, when he joined the Ravens.

His tenure with Baltimore was particularly memorable; he set multiple records in the Super Bowl XLVII win over the San Francisco 49ers. Jones holds the record for the longest kickoff return touchdown in Super Bowl history at 108 yards. Additionally, he was the first player to both catch a touchdown pass and score on a kickoff return in the same Super Bowl. His performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection in 2012. After three successful seasons with the Ravens, Jones had stints with the San Diego Chargers and the Pittsburgh Steelers before retiring from professional football in 2017.

Tributes have poured in from former teammates and the NFL community. JJ Watt, a former teammate from the Texans, shared his condolences on social media platform X, reflecting on Jones’s joyful personality: “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.”