It was a sad day for Houston sports fans on Sunday, July 14, when they received the heartbreaking news of the passing of former Houston Texans wide receiver and kick return specialist Jacoby Jones. Jones died at 40 years old. He is survived by his mother, Emily, and his son, Jacoby.
While the exact cause of his passing is still unknown, the NFL Players Association released a statement revealing that the Jones family has shared that he passed away “peacefully” at his home in New Orleans.
“The family, including his mother, Emily and his son, Little Jacoby, are together and are asking for prayers, privacy, and support as they navigate through this difficult time.”
The Houston Texans, who drafted Jones in 2007, shared their condolences on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
“We are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Jacoby Jones. Our hearts go out to his family during this incredibly difficult time,” said the team.
The H-Town community also went to social media to share their thoughts on the tragic news regarding the death of one of the most charismatic players to ever play in the NFL.
Houston rapper Slim Thug recently shared the sad news on his Instagram, accompanied by prayer hand emojis as the caption.
Lil Keke, another prominent rapper from Houston, shared a photo of the late receiver and posted a genuine message as his caption.
“Man R.I.P. to my dog,” said the “Southside” rapper. “This my dog for real. This one hurt me. Man rest up bro. I’m going to miss them calls homie.”
Bun B, one-half of the legendary rap duo Underground Kingz and Co-Founder of Trill Burger, worded a sincere eulogy for Jones also on IG.
“Can’t lie. This one really hurt. Just finished hearing the good word and got the call. Prayed for him and his family, former teammates, friends and fans,” Bun B said in his caption. “I knew the player and the person. As an athlete, he was a top tier teammate and player who tried to leave it all of the field.
Bun continued, “His emotion was a testament to his love for the game. As a person, he was the life of the party. Full of infectious energy and always smiling and/or laughing when you saw him. Such a loss. You’re gonna be deeply missed my brother. Rest In Peace.”
His teammate for the Texans and Hall of Fame receiver Andre Johnson said, “We lost a great one today. The life of the party. All you ever wanted to do was see people smile and you kept smiles on all of our faces. You will greatly be missed. Love you lil bro!”
Jones was a nine-year NFL veteran known for having a popping personality and his dazzling end zone dances. He spent his first five seasons playing for the Houston Texans before joining the Baltimore Ravens. During his time with the Ravens, he reached the pinnacle of his career, including making it to the Pro Bowl and winning a Super Bowl. He also made two of the most iconic plays in NFL history.
On a January day in 2013, Jones secured his most unforgettable catch known as the “Mile High Miracle.” In the closing moments of an AFC divisional playoff, with his team down 35-28 to the Denver Broncos and just 31 seconds remaining, Jones hauled in a 70-yard game-tying touchdown pass from quarterback Joe Flacco. The Ravens eventually won 38-35 in double overtime.
“When I ran in the end zone, it was quiet. You heard rat piss on cotton,” Jones told ESPN on the 10-year anniversary of the catch. “I’m like, this ain’t real.”
Three weeks later in Super Bowl XLVII, against the San Francisco 49ers, Jones delivered another unforgettable performance. In addition to the 56-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter, Jones returned a 108-yard kickoff for another touchdown, helping his team secure the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Still to this date, Jones not only holds the record for the longest return in postseason history but also made history as the first player to score a receiving touchdown and a return touchdown in the same Super Bowl game. What makes this Super Bowl memory even more remarkable is that the game took place in the Super Dome, right in his hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana.
The Baltimore Ravens are also devastated by the death of their former Pro Bowl receiver and they released a statement of their own.
“We are completely heartbroken to learn about the passing of Jacoby Jones. Jacoby had the unique ability to connect with everyone he encountered,” the Ravens said in a statement. “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 the lasting personal connections he made with countless people in the Ravens organization, Baltimore community and every area he called home.”
Ravens’ Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis took it to X to profoundly share his thoughts on the loss of his former teammate.
“My brother, you will truly be missed,” said Lewis. “They can’t take the memories and the hard work you put in on and off the football field. You always gave back and always a pillar in the community, a Raven for life. Love ya JJ.”
Jones and Lewis were teammates on the Ravens during his time there, including the 2012 Super Bowl season.
With 203 receptions for 2,733 yards and 14 touchdowns in 128 career games, Jacoby Jones made a name for himself as an All-Pro returner and Pro Bowl selection in 2012. He played for the Houston Texans (2007-11), Ravens (2012-14), Pittsburgh Steelers (2015), and the San Diego Chargers (2015).
Jones signed a one-day contract to retire with the Ravens in 2017.
“I loved Jacoby Jones. We all did,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. “His spirit, enthusiasm and love for people were powerful. He was a light. My favorite Jacoby personal moment was every time I saw his smiling face full of joy.”
After retiring from playing football, Jones pursued a coaching career. He began as the tight ends coach at Morgan State University and then moved on to become the wide receivers coach at Alabama State University. Most recently, he was appointed as the head coach and offensive coordinator for the Beaumont Renegades, an indoor football team, earlier this year.
