Former NFL wide receiver Jacoby Jones, a Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion with the Baltimore Ravens, died Saturday night at his Houston-area home, according to multiple reports. Jones, who celebrated his birthday on July 11, had just turned 40. The cause of death is not immediately clear.
Jones played in the NFL for nine seasons, spending the first five with the Houston Texans before signing with the Ravens in 2012. Jones had a breakout season in his first in Baltimore, being named First Team All-Pro and making the Pro Bowl on the way to winning Super Bowl XLVII.
Jones remained with the Ravens for three seasons before ending his career with brief stints with the San Diego Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers. In September 2017, Jones signed a one day contract with Baltimore so he could officially retire as a Raven.
Some of Jones’ former teammates paid tribute to Jones on social media, including defensive end and Texans legend JJ Watt, as well as wide receiver Torrey Smith, who played with Jones in Baltimore, and quarterback Matt Leinart, who coincided with Jones for two seasons. in Houston.
Jacoby was one of the funniest teammates and people I have ever met. Always dancing and laughing, with a permanent smile on her face.
It was too far, too soon.
Rest in peace, Jacoby Jones.
-JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 14, 2024
My brother! I thank God for the memories and their impact on this world. You were 1 of 1! His play on the field and his jokes will live forever! We have Momma Jones and Lil Coby back for life! That one hurt me man! We will miss you!
I love you bro! pic.twitter.com/r9MZKU4sqb
– Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) July 14, 2024
My former teammate Jacoby Jones passed. Damn, that hits hard. His laugh and larger than life personality will be something I will always remember. Rest in peace brother
-Matt Leinart (@MattLeinartQB) July 14, 2024
Current Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson also honored Jones in a publish.
Owned by the Beaumont Renegades, an indoor soccer league that hired Jones as his inaugural head coach in April confirmed the former receiver’s death on Sunday. Sam Gordon, the owner of the Renegades, called Jones “the most humble and kindest person to anyone” in a phone interview with People’s Republic of China 2 Houston on Sunday morning.