Jacoby Jones, the vibrant and unforgettable Baltimore Ravens star renowned for his “Mile High Miracle” and infectious personality, passed away at 40.
The cause of his death has not yet been disclosed.
“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 Ravens said in a heartfelt statement on Sunday.
Jacoby Jones’ NFL career spanned nine years, during which his flamboyant end zone dances and fun-loving demeanor made him a fan favorite.
His name became etched in NFL history during the Ravens’ 2012 Super Bowl run, where he scored three dramatic postseason touchdowns.
The most iconic moment of Jones’ career, dubbed the “Mile High Miracle,” came during an AFC divisional playoff game in January 2013.
With just 31 seconds remaining and the Ravens trailing the Denver Broncos 35-28, Jacoby caught a high-arcing 70-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Joe Flacco, tying the game and securing his place in NFL lore.
“When I ran in the end zone, it was quiet. You heard rat piss on cotton,” Jones humorously recalled to ESPN on the play’s 10-year anniversary. “I’m like, this ain’t real.”
Jacoby Jones’ heroics continued in Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers.
He made history by becoming the first player to score both a receiving touchdown and a return touchdown in the same Super Bowl.
His 108-yard kickoff return touchdown to start the second half remains the longest scoring play in Super Bowl history.
Fittingly, this game was played in his hometown of New Orleans. When a power outage caused half of the Superdome’s lights to go out for 34 minutes, Jones kept loose by playing freeze tag with wide receiver Torrey Smith.
“They were saying, ‘Let’s stretch,'” Jones later said. “Stretch? I ain’t never stretched in my life.”
Jacoby Jones also found himself in the middle of controversy during a Thanksgiving night game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
After fielding a kickoff at the goal line, Jones was obstructed by Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, who stood in a restricted area with his back turned to the action.
Tomlin’s presence caused Jones to swerve, allowing Steelers cornerback Cortez Allen to catch up to him.
“I don’t blame him. I still love him,” Jones later said. “I’d do the same thing to me.”
Ravens coach John Harbaugh shared a fond memory of Jones from a week after the Thanksgiving game.
With the Ravens trailing and just over a minute left, Harbaugh recalled seeing Jones chatting with his mother in the end zone.
After calling out to him, Harbaugh watched Jones return the kickoff 77 yards for a touchdown on a snow-covered field at M&T Bank Stadium.
“I loved Jacoby Jones. We all did,” Harbaugh said. “His spirit, enthusiasm, and love for people were powerful. He was a light. My favorite Jacoby personal moment was every time I saw his smiling face full of joy.”
"I loved Jacoby Jones. We all did. His spirit, enthusiasm and love for people were powerful. He was a light." pic.twitter.com/lpMLRp3EDx
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) July 14, 2024
Before his time with the Ravens, Jacoby Jones spent five seasons with the Houston Texans.
He earned a first-team All-Pro selection and made his only Pro Bowl appearance in 2012.
In 2017, Jones signed a one-day contract to retire with the Ravens, cementing his legacy with the team.
Last month, he attended a Ravens reunion at minicamp, sharing laughs and memories with his former teammates.
Jones’ impact extended beyond the football field.
He served as an assistant coach at a local high school and Morgan State University, staying connected to the Baltimore community.
In April, Jones was hired as the head coach and offensive coordinator of the Beaumont Renegades, an indoor football expansion franchise set to begin play in 2025.
“He was the best, he loved everyone,” said Sam Gordon, the owner of the Renegades.
“I think one of the most important things is he was a man of God. He was proud of how much he loved and feared his god. What was most important to him after football was helping the next person in line. He was the most humble and kind person to anybody who gave him the time and needed the time from him.”
Ray Lewis, Torrey Smith, Brandon Stephens, and JJ Watt took to Twitter to pay their respects to Jacoby.
Jacoby Jones’ legacy is one of joy, talent, and an unwavering love for the game and people.
He will be remembered for his incredible plays, infectious spirit, and the light he brought to everyone around him.
Rest in peace, Jacoby Jones. Your memory will live on in the hearts of fans and teammates alike.
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