Jacoby Jones, a former Ravens wide receiver who starred in Baltimore's Super Bowl XLVII win, has died, the Jones family announced Sunday. He was 40 years old.
In a statement released through the NFL Players Association, Jones' family said he died "peacefully" at his home in New Orleans.
"We are completely heartbroken to learn about the passing of Jacoby Jones," the Ravens said in a statement. "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 just for his success on the football field, but for the lasting personal connections he made with countless people in the Ravens organization, 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 nine seasons for four different teams in the NFL, but his contributions during the Ravens' most recent Super Bowl-winning run will forever be remembered.
After earning All-Pro honors as a kick returner during that 2012 season, Jones made a name for himself during the playoffs with a few incredible game-changing plays. His 70-yard touchdown catch from Joe Flacco with 31 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos -- often referred to as the "Mile High Miracle" -- was a season-saving play for the Ravens, who went on to win the Divisional Round game in double overtime.
In Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers, Jones came through once again with a pair of long TD scores. Late in the second quarter, the speedy wideout fell to the turf while catching a deep ball, but had the wherewithal to get up and evade two defenders for the final nine yards of a 56-yard TD. Jones went on to extend Baltimore's lead soon thereafter, opening the second half with a historic 108-yard kickoff return TD -- the longest play in Super Bowl history.
Jones' two TDs were monumental for the Ravens, who warded off the 49ers' late-game comeback to win Super Bowl XLVII, 34-31. He became the first player in Super Bowl history to score a receiving touchdown and return touchdown in the same game.
For Jones, a New Orleans native, having one of the greatest Super Bowl performances in the Superdome made the story all that more sweeter.
"I loved Jacoby Jones," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. "We all did. His spirit, enthusiasm and love for people were powerful. He was a light. He was the cherished son of his loving mom, Ms. Emily. They were so close. He was a man of faith. 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. My favorite Jacoby personal moment was every time I saw his smiling face full of Joy. Rest in peace, Jacoby, in the arms of Jesus."
Jones started his NFL career with the Houston Texans as a third-round pick in 2007. He arrived in Baltimore as a free agent in 2012 and spent three seasons with the Ravens. He spent time with both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the then-San Diego Chargers during his final season in 2015.
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.
