Jacoby Jones, a former NFL wide receiver known for his record-setting 108-yard kickoff return in the 2013 Super Bowl, has passed away at the age of 40. The Houston Texans, the team with which Jones spent the first five seasons of his career, announced his death on Sunday. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Jones’s NFL career spanned from 2007 to 2015, during which he played for the Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, San Diego Chargers, and Pittsburgh Steelers. He made significant contributions to the Ravens’ Super Bowl-winning season in 2012.
One of Jones’s most memorable moments came during the Ravens’ playoff game against the Denver Broncos in January 2013, known as the “Mile High Miracle.” With 31 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Jones caught a 70-yard touchdown pass, tying the game and leading to an eventual double-overtime victory for Baltimore.
In the subsequent Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers, Jones made two pivotal plays: a 56-yard touchdown reception from Joe Flacco, the game’s MVP, and a 108-yard kickoff return to start the second half, giving the Ravens a 28-6 lead. Baltimore ultimately secured a 34-31 victory. The game was held 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 was named to The Associated Press All-Pro team as a kick returner for the 2012 season and later 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.”
