BALTIMORE — Former NFL receiver Jacoby Jones, whose 108-yard kickoff return in 2013 remains the longest touchdown in Super Bowl history, has died. He was 40.
The Houston Texans, Jones’ team for the first five seasons of his career, announced his death Sunday. There was no immediate word on a cause of death.
Jones 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.
Jones was a key part of Baltimore’s “Mile High Miracle” in a playoff game at Denver in January 2013. 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.
In the Super Bowl that postseason against San Francisco, Jones caught a 56-yard TD pass from eventual game MVP Joe Flacco. Then he raced 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.
That Super Bowl was played in New Orleans, where Jones grew up.
“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,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. “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 after that, he appeared on “Dancing With The Stars.”
“Jacoby was one of the most fun-loving teammates and people I’ve ever been around,” former Texans pass-rushing star J.J. Watt said on social media. “Always dancing and laughing, with a permanent smile on his face. Gone far, far too soon.”
In April, Jones became coach of the Beaumont Renegades, an arena football team in Texas.
“What can be said about him as a football player is only scratching the surface of who he was as a man,” the Renegades said in a statement. “When you needed something, he was there. When you called him, he answered. Didn’t matter if you were a family member, a close friend, player he coached, etc.”
___
AP Sports Writer Kristie Rieken in Houston contributed to this report.
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
Former Baltimore Ravens player Jacoby Jones passed away at the age of 40 on Tuesday, shocking fans and the football community. Jones was a beloved figure in Baltimore, known for his electrifying plays on the field and infectious personality off of it.
Jones began his NFL career with the Houston Texans in 2007, where he quickly made a name for himself as a dynamic kick returner and receiver. He joined the Ravens in 2012 and played a key role in their Super Bowl XLVII victory, returning a kickoff for a touchdown in the game.
Throughout his career, Jones was known for his speed and agility, making him a threat to score every time he touched the ball. He was also a fan favorite for his playful antics, including his famous “Squirrel Dance” celebration after scoring a touchdown.
After retiring from the NFL in 2017, Jones remained involved in the football community, working as a coach and mentor to young players. He was also active in charitable work, supporting various causes in the Baltimore area.
Jones’ sudden passing has left his family, friends, and fans in mourning. Tributes have poured in from former teammates, coaches, and fans, remembering Jones as a talented player and a kind-hearted person.
The cause of Jones’ death has not been disclosed, but his impact on the football world will not be forgotten. He will be remembered for his incredible talent on the field and his larger-than-life personality off of it.
As we mourn the loss of Jacoby Jones, let us remember the joy and excitement he brought to the game of football and the lasting impact he had on those around him. Rest in peace, Jacoby. You will be missed.
