Jacoby Jones, a former standout return man and wide receiver for the Houston Texans, died overnight in his sleep on Sunday, according to multiple reports.
Jones, perhaps best known for his 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in Super Bowl XLVII with the Baltimore Ravens, turned 40 on Thursday.
A cause of death has not yet been revealed.
Former Texans’ teammate J.J. Watt honored Jones’ life in a statement on X.
“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. Gone far, far too soon. R.I.P Jacoby Jones,” Watt said
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.
Gone far, far too soon.
R.I.P Jacoby Jones.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 14, 2024
Four-time Pro Bowl running back Arian Foster, a teammate of Jones with the Texans from 2009-2011, also posted after hearing the heartbreaking news.
shit hurts. love you homie🙏🏾🕊️ pic.twitter.com/JE4odiQdyo
— feeno (@ArianFoster) July 14, 2024
A third-round pick out of Lane College in 2007, Jones spent five of his nine seasons in the league as a member of the Texans. He still holds multiple franchise records, including most punt returns in a single season, most punt return yards in a single season, most career all-purpose yards, and most career punt return touchdowns.
As a receiver, Jones totaled 127 catches for 1,741 yards and 11 touchdowns receptions during his time with the Texans. He spent three seasons with the Ravens before closing his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the then-San Diego Chargers in 2015.
He signed a one-day contract in 2017 to retire as a member of the Ravens.
On top of his kickoff return, Jones hauled in a 56-yard touchdown pass from Super Bowl MVP quarterback Joe Flacco to give Baltimore a 21-3 lead. He also became the first player to catch a touchdown and score on a return in the same Super Bowl.
In 2012, Jones earned First-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. He remains the Ravens’ all-time leader in kickoff return average (30.1 yards) as well as for a single season back in 2012 when he averaged 30.7 yards per return.
Most recently, Jones was hired by the Beaumont Renegades, an indoor football team, as their head coach and offensive coordinator after returning to Lane College to coach receivers in 2018. Most recently, he served as Alabama’s State receivers coach for two seasons.
We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Jacoby Jones. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/Ny4UBLMwdb
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) July 14, 2024
“Jacoby was a special football player. He loved every minute of every game, and he knew that every day was a blessing,” the Renegades released in a statement Sunday morning. ” But what can be said about Jacoby the football player only scratches the surface of who he was as a man.
“He left no one behind and gave time to every young kid and player that asked for it.”
A vibrant personality on and off the field, Jones took his dancing skills to the ballroom stage in 2013 as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars. He was a finalist and placed third overall during season 16 as partners with Karina Smirnoff
In nine NFL seasons, Jones totaled 203 catches for 2,733 yards and 14 touchdowns with 7,628 return yards and nine scores on special teams.
