Former NFL wide receiver Jacoby Jones has died. He was 40.
The NFL Players Association and the Baltimore Ravens confirmed the news of Jones’ death on Sunday, July 14, stating that he “passed away peacefully at his home in New Orleans, Louisiana.” His cause of death was not immediately available.
“The family, including his mother, Emily, and his son, Little Jacoby, are together and asking for your prayers, privacy and support as they navigate through this difficult time,” the NFL Players Associated added in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter).
The Ravens shared its own statement in honor of Jones, writing that the organization is “completely heartbroken to learn about the passing of Jacoby Jones.”
“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 statement said.
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“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 Ravens’ statement concluded. “We share our deepest condolences with Jacoby’s family as we all begin to process this devastating loss.”
The New Orleans Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Jones began his football career college at Lane College in Tennessee in 2002, before being drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2007 NFL draft. He spent five years there before signing a contract with the Ravens in 2012. He played in the Baltimore team’s 2013 Super Bowl game against the San Francisco 49ers, which they won 34-21.
During the championship, Jones became the first player in Super Bowl history to score a receiving touchdown and a return touchdown in the same game, according to ESPN.
All in all, he spent nine years in the NFL, playing for the Texans, the Ravens, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the then-San Diego Chargers (now the Los Angeles Chargers). In 2013, he competed on Dancing with the Stars, partnering with Karina Smirnoff and finishing in third place overall.
This year, Jones was hired by the Beaumont Renegades — a newly-formed indoor football team set to begin playing in 2025 — as their head coach and offensive coordinator, according to ESPN.
Many of Jones’ former teammates and coaches spoke out on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday following the news of his death, and shared stories and memories from their time working together.
“I loved Jacoby Jones,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said in a statement, per the Ravens. “We all did. 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,” Harbaugh continued. “My favorite football play was when Jacoby 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 raced to catch the ball and run it back for a touchdown.”
“Jacoby was 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,” Jones’ former Texans teammate J.J. Watt wrote on X. “Gone far, far too soon.”
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Donté Stallworth, former Saints player and fellow wide receiver, also shared his condolences, writing that the pair had spent time training together in their hometown of New Orleans.
“I’ll never forget training with Jacoby Jones in New Orleans,” Stallworth wrote. “He was fresh outta [St. Augustine] when I was playing for the Saints and he made it clear his plans to not only play in the NFL but make an impact. He did exactly that.”
