Former NFL wide receiver and return specialist Jacoby Jones passed away suddenly in his sleep on July 14 at the age of 40.
Jones had a distinguished nine-season career in the NFL, playing for the Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, and then-San Diego Chargers. He later joined the National Arena League before re-signing with the Baltimore Ravens in 2017 to retire as a Raven. The cause of his death has not been disclosed.
Fans were moved when they saw Jones’ final Instagram post, which featured a shared celebration with the NFL and Ravens of his record-breaking performance in Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers. In that game, Jones opened the second half by returning a kickoff for a 108-yard touchdown, the longest scoring play in Super Bowl history. He also became the first player to record both a receiving touchdown and a return touchdown in a Super Bowl, helping the Ravens secure a 34-31 victory.
Comments on the post expressed the deep sorrow felt by his fans, with one simply posting a broken heart emoji, “💔,” and another writing, “RIP Legend.” As news of his passing spread, former teammates, coaches, and colleagues took to social media to pay tribute to the former NFL star.
Former Texans defensive end J.J. Watt shared, “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.”
Former Texans running back Arian Foster wrote, “I don’t think there’s anyone I ever played with that believed in me like he did. I loved that dude like we came from the same mother. I made sure I told him every time I saw him, and he did the same. One of the purest people I’ve ever been around. Damn this really hurts.”
Jones’ sudden death has left a profound impact on the football community, highlighting the legacy of joy and excellence he brought to the game and to those who knew him.