The recent passing of Jacoby Jones at the young age of 40 has not only left football fans grieving but has also stirred up fond memories of his remarkable performance in Super Bowl history.
According to a statement from the NFLPA on behalf of his family, Jones “passed away peacefully” in his New Orleans home, the same city where he achieved glory 11 years prior with the Baltimore Ravens. In Super Bowl XLVII, Jones scored a touchdown and set a Super Bowl record with a 108-yard kick return, solidifying a victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
Heading into that game, Jones confidently stated, “If I were them, I wouldn’t kick it to me, not at all.” His prediction came true in the third quarter when, despite catching the ball deep in the end zone, he ran through the 49ers’ coverage and scored, followed by an exuberant touchdown dance as the Ravens took the lead.
Jones returns a 108-yard kickoff for a touchdown in the third quarter, a Super Bowl record
Jones’s performance in that Super Bowl, which included a 56-yard touchdown catch, left him feeling “like a million dollars,” as he told reporters in his hometown.
Fans and fellow players alike have taken to social media to pay tribute to Jones, remembering him not only for his athletic achievements but also for his fun-loving personality and the joy he brought to others.
One fan wrote, “He will always be remembered for his amazing Super Bowl and the kick return against the 49ers.”
ESPN Radio also honored Jones, stating, “Jacoby Jones scored three of the most exciting TDs in NFL playoff history to help the @Ravens win their second Super Bowl.” This included his two Super Bowl scores and a touchdown weeks earlier in a divisional-round matchup with the Broncos, dubbed the “mile-high miracle.”
While the official cause of death has not been disclosed, the NFLPA’s statement confirmed that the Super Bowl champion “passed away peacefully” at his home.
The Jones family, including his mother, Emily, and his son, Little Jacoby, have expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support and requested privacy during this difficult time.
The Ravens celebrate with Jacoby Jones, a native New Orleanian, after their Super Bowl XLVII victory
Jones played for various teams between 2007 and 2015, including the Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, San Diego Chargers, and Pittsburgh Steelers. However, it is his contributions to the Ravens and their Super Bowl XLVII victory that remain his most memorable legacy.
Tributes have poured in from fellow players, including JJ Watt, who described Jones as “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.”
Pat McAfee added, “Jacoby Jones was an absolute legend. Beloved by everyone he met, he lit up every room he walked into.”
Jones makes a catch that leads to a touchdown during Super Bowl XLVII in his native New Orleans
Torrey Smith, who won the Super Bowl with Jones in 2013, shared a heartfelt message, saying, “My brother! I thank God for the memories and your impact on this world. You were one of a kind! Your play on the field and jokes will live on forever! We’ve got Momma Jones and Lil Coby’s back for life! This loss hurts, but we will miss you deeply. Love you, bro!”
Jones’s untimely death, just three days after his 40th birthday, has left behind a teenage son named Coby, and his passing has been felt across the NFL community, with tributes pouring in from fans, players, and the league itself.
