• Jones was found at his home in New Orleans, just days after celebrating his 40th birthday
• He achieved Super Bowl glory and later appeared on Dancing With The Stars

The football world and beyond is mourning the loss of Super Bowl champion and former Baltimore Ravens star, Jacoby Jones, who has passed away at the age of 40.

Tributes are flowing in for the former wide receiver, whose fame extended beyond the football field to the dance floor as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars. The Baltimore Sun initially broke the news of his passing.

While no official cause of death has been announced, the NFLPA released a statement on behalf of Jones’ family, revealing that he ‘passed away peacefully at his New Orleans home.’

NFL star took to Twitter to express his sorrow, tweeting, ‘Jacoby was one of the most fun-loving and joyful teammates and people I’ve ever encountered. Always dancing, always smiling, and bringing laughter to everyone around him. Taken from us far too soon.’

Jones celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the Ravens’ Super Bowl victory in 2013.

Jones etched his name in NFL history with a 108-yard kick return for a touchdown in the Super Bowl.

Torrey Smith, who shared Super Bowl glory with Jones in 2013, shared his grief on social media, saying, ‘My brother! I am forever grateful for the memories and the impact you had on this world. You were truly one of a kind!’

‘Your jokes and your play on the field will live on forever! We’ve got your back, Momma Jones and Lil Coby, for life! This loss hits hard. We will miss you, my friend. Rest in peace. Love you, bro!’ Smith added.

Reports indicate that Jones passed away overnight at his New Orleans residence, just three days after his 40th birthday. He is survived by his teenage son, Coby.

The NFL confirmed the tragic news shortly before midday, tweeting, ‘The NFL family is heartbroken by the passing of Super Bowl champion Jacoby Jones. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.’

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh also released a statement, expressing his love for Jones and highlighting a memorable moment: ‘My favorite football memory of Jacoby is when he 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 ran to catch the ball and returned it for a touchdown.’

Harbaugh added, ‘My favorite personal memory of Jacoby is simply every time I saw his smiling face, full of life and joy. May he forever rest in peace in the arms of Jesus.’

Jones, a native of New Orleans, had his house destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in 2007 and played five seasons there before moving to Baltimore, where he won the Super Bowl in his inaugural season.

The pinnacle of his career came in Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers, when he set an NFL record with a 108-yard kick return for a touchdown.

Jones and his dance partner, Karina Smirnoff, placed third on Dancing With The Stars.

Jones brought his dance moves to the football field (L) and to television screens across the nation (R)

During that Super Bowl, Jones also became the first player in history to score both a receiving touchdown and a returning touchdown in the same game.

Jones went on to play for the San Diego Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers before concluding his career in 2017 with the Monterrey Steel of the National Arena League.

He then transitioned to the world of entertainment, finishing third in season 16 of Dancing With The Stars alongside his partner, Karina Smirnoff.

Jones later pursued coaching, serving as the wide receivers coach at his alma mater, Lane College, before moving to Calvert Hall College High School in 2020. Most recently, he was a member of the coaching staff at Alabama State University.

Note: It was initially misreported that Jones was found in Houston.