Emotional moment: Jacoby Jones, Celebrated Super Bowl Champion, Died At 40 Fondly Remembered by Family and Teammates

Former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver and Super Bowl XLVII winner Jacoby Jones died in his sleep on Sunday, July 14, 2024. The football star had just turned 40 years old on July 11, 2024, and is currently being remembered by his close friends and family. To honor him and his lasting legacy, we have rounded up four things to know about Jones’ life, including what the Ravens said about his passing and his time on the hit competition TV show Dancing With the Stars.

CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 21: Jacoby Jones #12 of the Baltimore Ravens warms up before the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 21, 2014 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Ravens defeat the Browns 23-21. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

The announcement of Jones’ death was confirmed by The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “We are deeply saddened to share that Jacoby Jones, a beloved former Ravens football player from New Orleans and a proud graduate of a historically black college has passed away at the age of 40. In a statement, the Jones family confirmed that Jacoby Jones passed away peacefully at his home in New Orleans, Louisiana. The family, including his mother, Emily and his son little Jacoby, are together and are asking for your prayers, privacy, and support as they navigate through this difficult time.”

NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 03: Jacoby Jones #12 of the Baltimore Ravens catches a 56-yard pass before running in for the touchdown in the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Throughout his time in the National Football League (NFL), Jones played on four different teams: the Texans, San Diego Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens — the team that took him to the 2013 Super Bowl. During that game, Jones returned a kickoff 108 yards for a touchdown, the longest play in Super Bowl history at the time. Following Jones’ passing, the Baltimore Ravens football team released a statement outlining how saddened his passing has made them. “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,” the team wrote of his passing. “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.”

The team then went on to offer their condolences to his friends and family

During his time on the show, Jones also did a trio with Cheryl Burke, who paid tribute to him on Instagram, writing, “Absolutely devastated by the loss of my dear friend and fellow #dwts co-star, Jacoby Jones, who passed away in his sleep early this morning. While we weren’t dance partners, I had the honor of sharing unforgettable moments with him, from being part of his trio dance to supporting his cherished foundation. My heart aches for Jacoby and his family. My prayers are with you all. Rest in peace, Jacoby. You will be deeply missed.”

Jones’ time in the NFL ended in 2017 when he decided to return to his alma mater, Lane College, as a coach. From there, he went to Morgan State and eventually joined the Alabama State University staff in 2022. Prior to his passing, Jones was the offensive coordinator and head coach for the Beaumont Renegades, an indoor football expansion program set to start in 2025. “We are saddened to bring you the news that Head Coach Jacoby Jones has passed away. He meant so much to us and we know how loved he was by all of you,” Beaumont wrote in a statement. “Jacoby was a special football player. He loved every minute of every game and knew where he was every day was a blessing. But what can be said about him as a football player is only scratching the surface of who he was as a man.”

May Jacoby Jones rest in peace, and may his football legacy continue to shine brighter than ever before.