Jacoby Jones, former wide receiver and kick return specialist for the Baltimore Ravens, has died. An official source from the Baltimore Ravens confirmed his death with WJZ on Sunday morning.
Jones played for the Texans from 2007 to 2011 and joined the Ravens as a free agent after being released by the Texans in 2012, playing in Baltimore for three seasons. He later played for the Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers before retiring from the game on Sept. 29, 2017, signing a one-day contract with the Ravens to retire as a member of the AFC North franchise.
After retiring from the Ravens, Jones coached college football at Morgan State University and an indoor football team in Houston, Texas, the Beaumont Renegades.
In Super Bowl XLVII, against the San Francisco 49ers, Jones became the first player to score a receiving touchdown and return touchdown in the same game in Super Bowl history. He caught a 56-yard touchdown pass from Flacco late in the second quarter, then opened the second half with a 108-yard touchdown, the longest play in Super Bowl or postseason history.
“I loved Jacoby Jones, we all did,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. “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.
Ray Lewis added that he was “always a pillar in the community.”