OWINGS MILLS — Former Ravens wide receiver and special teams standout Jacoby Jones has died at the age of 40, the team confirmed Sunday.
The cause of death has not been announced.
“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. 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.
“My favorite Jacoby personal moment was every time I saw his smiling face full of Joy. Rest in peace, Jacoby, in the arms of Jesus.”
Jones is best remembered for being at the receiving end of what is called the “Mile High Miracle” in the 2012 AFC divisional playoffs against the Denver Broncos. In that game, quarterback Joe Flacco heaved a game-tying 70-yard touchdown pass to Jones with under a minute left in regulation to send the game into overtime. Then-rookie kicker Justin Tucker sent Baltimore to the AFC championship with a 47-yard field goal to secure the 38-35 win.
In addition, Jones had a 56-yard touchdown reception and a 108-yard kickoff return for a score in the second half to help lead the Ravens to a 34-31 victory over the San Fransisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII.
Jones, who is from Louisiana, played three seasons for the Ravens from 2012, when he was an All-Pro returner and Pro Bowl selection, to 2014. He also played for the Houston Texans, Pittsburgh Steelers and then-San Diego Chargers and spent nine seasons in the NFL.
Jones finished his career with 203 catches, 2,733 yards, and 125 touchdowns. He also had 4,940 yards as a kick returner with five scores and 2,688 yards and four touchdowns as a punt returner.
Jones also was an assistant coach locally at Calvert Hall College high school and Morgan State University.
“We are completely heartbroken to learn about the passing of Jacoby Jones,” the Ravens’ organization said in a statement. “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.
“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. We share our deepest condolences with Jacoby’s family as we all begin to process this devastating loss.”
