Super Bowl champion Jacoby Jones dies at age 40

Jones, a wide receiver, scored two touchdowns in the Ravens’ victory in Super Bowl XLVII and played nine seasons in the NFL.

The Texans confirmed Jones’ death to CNN. The NFL team was informed by his family, who did not disclose a cause of death.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jacoby Jones,” the Ravens organization said in a opinion. “Jacoby had a unique ability to connect with everyone he met. His charisma, joy and love created a unique presence that could light up any room or brighten any dark day.”

“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jacoby Jones,” the Texans added. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”

In addition to the Ravens and Texans, Jones also played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the San Diego Chargers. The Chargers are now in Los Angeles.

Jones has had a number of shining moments in his NFL career, but perhaps none greater than in 2012, when he caught a late 70-yard touchdown pass to force overtime in an AFC Divisional Round playoff game the Ravens won 38-35 over the Denver Broncos. The catch became known as the “Mile High Miracle” because the game was played in Denver.

In Super Bowl XLVII that same year, Jones caught a 56-yard touchdown pass and returned a kickoff 108 yards for a second touchdown. It remains the longest touchdown play in Super Bowl history. The Ravens beat the San Francisco 49ers 34-31. And Jones remains the only player to catch a touchdown pass and score a kickoff touchdown in the same Super Bowl.

“My brother, you will truly be missed,” former Ravens teammate Ray Lewis posted on X. “They can’t take away the memories and hard work you put in on and off the football field. You always gave back and were always a pillar of the community, a Raven for life. I love you JJ.”

Former Texans teammate JJ Watt posted on social media: “Jacoby was one of the most fun-loving teammates and people I have ever known. Always dancing and laughing, with a permanent smile on his face. Gone far, far too soon. RIP Jacoby Jones.”

Jones is also remembered for standing in the back of the end zone at a Ravens game a week after Thanksgiving waiting for the kickoff. When the Ravens were trailing 19-15, he was talking to his mother in the stands, and when the ball was kicked, Jones turned around, caught the kickoff and ran it back 77 yards for a touchdown on a snow-covered field.

Jones played his last NFL game with the Steelers in 2015.