Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh led tributes to former NFL player Jacoby Jones following news of his death.
On Sunday morning, a Ravens official confirmed his passing to WJZ. The former wide receiver and kick returner was 40 years old.
While the cause of his death has not yet been revealed, tributes honoring Jones’ life and career flooded social media. After coaching him for three years in Baltimore, Harbaugh mourned Jones’ death shortly after the news broke.
“I loved Jacoby Jones. We all loved him,” Harbaugh said in a statement“His spirit, his enthusiasm and his love for people were powerful. He was a light. He was the beloved son of his loving mother, Mrs. Emily. They were very close.”
“He was a man of faith. My favorite football play was when Jacoby was talking to his mother in the end zone, just before a kickoff return at the end of the game against the Vikings in a penalty shootout in the middle of a snowstorm.
John Harbaugh paid tribute to former Baltimore Ravens star Jacoby Jones after his death
A Ravens official confirmed Jones’ death to WJZ on Sunday morning.
‘Jacoby ran to catch the ball and run back to score a touchdown. My personal favorite Jacoby moment was every time I saw his smiling, joy-filled face. Rest in peace, Jacoby, in the arms of Jesus.’
The New Orleans native played a pivotal role in the Ravens’ Super Bowl 47 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in 2013, scoring a Super Bowl-record 108-yard kickoff return.
“We are completely heartbroken by the news of the passing of Jacoby Jones,” the Ravens’ team statement read. “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.
“Jacoby will long be remembered not only for his success on the football field, but also for the lasting personal connections he made with countless people throughout the Ravens organization, the Baltimore community, and every area he called home. We share our deepest condolences with Jacoby’s family as we all begin to process this devastating loss.”
Jones played in Baltimore for three seasons after spending 2007-2011 with the Texans.
Pat McAfee and JJ Watt paid tribute to Jones just hours after the news broke.
Jones played for the Houston Texans from 2007 to 2011 before joining the Ravens. From there, he had brief stints with the San Diego Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers and Monterey Steel in the National Arena League.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jacoby Jones,” the Texans wrote in their statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”
“Jacoby was one of the most fun teammates and people I’ve ever been around,” wrote JJ Watt, who joined Jones in Houston before his departure. “Always dancing and laughing, with a permanent smile on his face. Gone too far, too soon. Rest in peace Jacoby Jones.”
Jones scored a Super Bowl record 108-yard kickoff return against the 49ers in 2013.
Jones played for the San Diego Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers and Monterey Steel in the NAL.
“Jacoby Jones was an absolute legend,” ESPN’s Pat McAfee said. “He was beloved by everyone who knew him and brought joy to every room and field he walked into. Rest in peace, brother… your presence will be missed.”
With five First Team All-Pro honors and five Pro Bowl selections, Jones led the NFL in sacks for two seasons and was crowned Defensive Player of the Year three times. Jones finished his career with 586 total tackles, 114.5 sacks, 70 pass deflections, 27 forced fumbles and 17 recoveries.
After retiring in 2017, Jones served as tight ends coach at Morgan State University.
