Jacoby Jones, Former Texans and Ravens Wide Receiver, Dies at 40: ‘Completely Heartbroken’

Jones performed a serious position within the Ravens’ second Tremendous Bowl win in 2013, scoring a landing throughout the recreation

Former NFL huge receiver Jacoby Jones has died. He was 40.

The and the confirmed the information of Jones’ loss of life on Sunday, July 14, stating that he “handed away peacefully at his residence in New Orleans, Louisiana.” His explanation for loss of life was not instantly obtainable.

“The household, together with his mom, Emily, and his son, Little Jacoby, are collectively and asking to your prayers, privateness and assist as they navigate by this tough time,” the NFL Gamers Related added in a put up shared on (previously Twitter).

The Ravens shared its personal assertion in honor of Jones, writing that the group is “fully heartbroken to study in regards to the passing of Jacoby Jones.”

“Jacoby had the distinctive capability to attach with everybody he encountered. His charisma, pleasure and love created a one-of-a-kind presence that would mild up any room or brighten any darkish day,” the assertion stated.

“Jacoby will lengthy be remembered not only for his success on the soccer discipline, however for the lasting private connections he made with numerous individuals within the Ravens group, Baltimore group and each space he referred to as residence,” the Ravens’ assertion concluded. “We share our deepest condolences with Jacoby’s household as all of us start to course of this devastating loss.”

The New Orleans Police Division didn’t instantly reply to PEOPLE’s request for remark.

Jones started his soccer profession school at Lane School in Tennessee in 2002, earlier than being drafted by the Houston Texans within the third spherical of the 2007 NFL draft. He spent 5 years there earlier than signing a contract with the Ravens in 2012. He performed within the Baltimore crew’s 2013 Tremendous Bowl recreation towards the San Francisco 49ers, which they received 34-21.

In the course of the championship, Jones grew to become the primary participant in Tremendous Bowl historical past to attain a receiving landing and a return landing in the identical recreation, in keeping with .

All in all, he spent 9 years within the NFL, enjoying for the Texans, the Ravens, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the then-San Diego Chargers (now the Los Angeles Chargers). In 2013, , partnering with Karina Smirnoff and .

This yr, Jones was employed by the Beaumont Renegades — a newly-formed indoor soccer crew set to start enjoying in 2025 — as their head coach and offensive coordinator, in keeping with ESPN.

A lot of Jones’ former teammates and coaches spoke out on X (previously Twitter) on Sunday following the information of his loss of life, and shared tales and recollections from their time working collectively.

“I liked Jacoby Jones,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh stated in a press release, per the Ravens. “All of us did. His spirit, enthusiasm and love for individuals have been highly effective. He was a light-weight.”

“He was the cherished son of his loving mother, Ms. Emily. They have been so shut. He was a person of religion,” Harbaugh continued. “My favourite soccer play was when Jacoby was speaking to his mother ultimately zone, simply earlier than a late-game kickoff return towards the Vikings in a snowstorm shootout. Jacoby then raced to catch the ball and run it again for a landing.”

“Jacoby was one of the fun-loving teammates and other people I’ve ever been round. At all times dancing and laughing, with a everlasting smile on his face,” Jones’ former Texans teammate J.J. Watt . “Gone far, far too quickly.”

By no means miss a narrative — join to remain up-to-date on the very best of what PEOPLE has to supply, from movie star information to driving human curiosity tales.

Donté Stallworth, former Saints participant and fellow huge receiver, additionally shared his condolences, writing that the pair had hung out coaching collectively of their hometown of New Orleans.

“I’ll always remember coaching with Jacoby Jones in New Orleans,” Stallworth wrote. “He was contemporary outta [St. Augustine] once I was enjoying for the Saints and he made it clear his plans to not solely play within the NFL however make an impression. He did precisely that.”

For extra Individuals information, ensure to

Learn the unique article on .