Jacoby Jones, a former Ravens wide receiver and the star of Super Bowl 47, has died, an NFL source with direct knowledge has confirmed to The Baltimore Sun. He was 40.
Immediately after the news, current Ravens, former teammates and media members shared what Jones meant to them. Here’s what they wrote on X, formerly Twitter:
Ravens coach John Harbaugh
“I loved Jacoby Jones. 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.”
Torrey Smith, former Ravens wide receiver
“My brother! I thank God for the memories and your impact on this world. You were 1 of 1 ! Your play on the field and jokes will live on forever! We have Momma Jones a Lil Coby’s back for life! This one hurt me man! We are going to miss you!
Love you bro!”
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson
“na bra no way RIP LEGEND”
Matt Leinart, former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL quarterback
“My former teammate Jacoby Jones passed. Damn this hits hard. His laugh and just bigger than life personality will be something I’ll always remember. RIP brother”
J.J. Watt, former Houston Texans defensive lineman
“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.”
Matt Schaub, former NFL quarterback
“Jacoby Jones was one of the most energetic, and fun loving teammates. Always had a smile on his face and never one to shy away from dancing. Blessed to have shared the huddle with you brother. Gone way to soon. RIP Jacoby”
Joel Dreessen, former NFL tight end
“Jacoby Jones & I were teammates for 5 years in Houston. He was one of my all time favorites. We always tried to be the first one to celebrate with the other after scoring a TD. And he was always helping me refine my dance moves. The news this morning hurts badly. Love u Jacoby!”
Gerry Sandusky, Ravens radio announcer and sportscaster
“Devastated to hear the news of Jacoby Jones passing. He was the rare person who lit up a room just by walking in it. At the Super Bowl ring celebration he lit up the dance floor (even tried to teach me how to dance better). He was pure joy in motion. God speed my friend.”
Pat McAfee, ESPN host and former NFL punter
“Jacoby Jones was an absolute legend.. he was beloved by literally everybody he met and lit up every room/field he walked into/onto.
Rest easy my brother.. we will miss your presence.”
Darius Butler, TV host and former NFL cornerback
“This Jacoby Jones news hurts man! If you ever met him it’s a guarantee he made your day better. If you knew him, you LOVED him.
Amazing man that always showed up w/ incredible energy and a smile!
Gonna miss you 12!”
Donté Stallworth, former NFL wide receiver
“I’ll never forget training with Jacoby Jones in New Orleans. he was fresh outta St Aug when I was playing for the Saints and he made it clear his plans to not only play in the NFL but make an impact. he did exactly that.
RIP brother”
Chris Harris Jr., former NFL cornerback
“RIP Jacoby Jones sad to see all our brothers leaving the world so soon .”
Sarah Spain, ESPN host
“Jacoby Jones was such a fun, friendly, joyful guy. Gone way too soon.”
This article might be updated.
Owings MIlls,MD–8/11/12–Ravens’ #12 Jacoby Jones. Baltimore Ravens football practice at their practice facility in Owings MIlls. Lloyd Fox-Sun Photographer-sp-ravens-camp-0812-p-fox-#133
Denver-CO-1/12/13-sp-p16-ravens-broncos-sweeney—Ravens’ Jacoby Jones runs off the field after the game winning field goal. Jones caught the game tying 70 yard touchdown pass from Joe Flacco. Baltimore Ravens take on the Denver Broncos in the AFC DIvisional game. Gene Sweeney Jr. Baltimore Sun Staff #7807
Owings Mills, MD — 08/03/2012 — Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones (12) calls back at a coach during training practice at the Ravens’ athletic complex Friday, Aug 3, 2012. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff) [FBN RAVENS TEAM PRACTICE (_D3S3400.JPG)]
1/12/13–Denver, CO– sp-p-ravens-broncos-fox, — Ravens’ #12 Jacoby Jones and teammte #82 Torrey Smith celebrates Jones’ fourth quarter touchdown to tie the game. Baltimore Ravens vs. Denver Broncos NFL football playoffs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Lloyd Fox, Sun Photographer #3467
New Orleans, LA– 2/3/13–sp-4313-super-bowl-fox, –Ravens’ Jacoby Jones during pregame warm ups. Baltimore Ravens vs. San Francisco 49ers in the NFL Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Lloyd Fox/Baltimore Sun. #4313
New Orleans, LA– 2/3/13 — Baltimore RavensÕ Jacoby Jones (#12) heads for the endzone on a record setting 108-yd kickoff return for a touchdown to open the second half of the Baltimore Ravens vs. the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. — Photo by: Kenneth K. Lam/Baltimore Sun DSC_3923 sp-3923-super-bowl-lam
Jacoby Jones opened the second half of Super Bowl XLVII with a 108-yard touchdown return Sunday in New Orleans, tying a Super Bowl record. The score propelled the Ravens to a 28-6 lead over the San Francisco 49ers, who then staged a comeback that fell short after a dramatic defensive stand by Baltimore’s secured the title.
Matthew Wilson of Pylesville, right, gives Baltimore Ravens player Jacoby Jones a fist bump after getting an autograph at Wednesday night’s autograph signing at Buon Gusto in Whiteford.
DANCING WITH THE STARS – “Episode 1601” — “Dancing with the Stars” was back with an all-new cast of fresh faces hitting the dance floor. The competition began with the two-hour Season 16 premiere, live, MONDAY, MARCH 18 (8:00-10:01 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Adam Taylor)
KARINA SMIRNOFF, JACOBY JONES
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore Sun
Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, left, and wide receiver Jacoby Jones celebrate after Flacco’s rushing touchdown in the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns in 2012.
Kenneth K. Lam, Baltimore Sun photo
In the Ravens’ 34-31 win against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII, Jacoby Jones opened the third quarter with an NFL-record 108-yard kick return for a touchdown.
Baltimore Sun photo by Kenneth K. Lam
In the Ravens’ 34-31 win against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII, Jacoby Jones opened the third quarter with an NFL-record 108-yard kick return for a touchdown.
Gail Burton, Capital Gazette
Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones (12) returns a kickoff for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on Dec. 8, 2013, in Baltimore.
Kevin Richardson, Baltimore Sun
Jacoby Jones speaks to reporters after signing his new deal with the Ravens.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore Sun
New Orleans, LA– 2/3/13 — Baltimore Ravens’ Jacoby Jones (#12) heads for the end zone on a record setting 108-yd kickoff return for a touchdown to open the second half of the Baltimore Ravens vs. the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII.
Baltimore Sun photo by Lloyd Fox
Ed Reed and Jacoby Jones celebrate the Ravens’ win over the Patriots.
Joe Mahoney / AP
Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones celebrates as he crosses the goal line for a touchdown against the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter of an AFC divisional playoff NFL football game, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013, in Denver.
Christopher T. Assaf / Baltimore Sun
Jacoby Jones catches a kickoff from Shane Lechler before running it 105 yards for a touchdown against the Raiders to close the scoring in the Ravens’ 55-20 victory Nov. 11, 2012. Jones returned four kickoffs for TDs in the regular season during his three years with the team.
Mitchell Layton, Getty Images
Ravens wide receiver (and former “Dancing with the Stars” contestant) Jacoby Jones threw out the first pitch before the Orioles faced the Red Sox on June 15, 2013.
Kim Hairston / Baltimore Sun
Baltimore, Md–8/12/17–Former Ravens wide receiver/returner Jacoby Jones signs autographs during the team’s last open practice at M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday. Kim Hairston/Baltimore Sun.
