Former Texans and Ravens wide receiver and Super Bowl star Jacoby Jones dies overnight

HOUSTON – Jacoby Jones, a former Texans wide receiver and third-round pick out of Lane College who emerged as a record-setting kickoff returner for the Baltimore Ravens in the Super Bowl, died in his sleep overnight.

The cause of death was not immediately released. Jones was 40.

“I loved Jacoby Jones, as we all do,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. “His enthusiasm and love for people was powerful. He was a light. He was the cherished son of his loving mother, Mrs. Emily. They were so close. He was a man of faith.”

“My favorite moment with Jacoby was every time I saw his face smiling and full of joy. Rest in peace, Jacoby, in the arms of Jesus.”

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jacoby Jones,” the Texans said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”

“He was the best, he loved everybody,” Beaumont Renegades owner Sam Gordon told KPRC 2 in a phone interview. “I think one of the biggest things is he was a man of God. He prided himself on the love and fear he had for his God. The most important thing to him after football was helping the next person. He was the most humble and kind person to anybody that gave him time and needed his time.”

Jones was known for his speed and playmaking skills as a player, as well as his friendly personality off the field. He lived in Missouri City.

“Jacoby was one of the funniest teammates and one of the funniest people I’ve ever been around,” former Texans teammate JJ Watt wrote on social media. “Always dancing and laughing, with a permanent smile on his face. Gone way too soon. RIP Jacoby Jones.”

A native of New Orleans, Jones helped the Ravens win Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in 2013 and was named a first-team All-Pro that season. He returned a kickoff 108 yards for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers, the longest play in Super Bowl history. He also became the first player to catch a touchdown and score on a return in the same Super Bowl.

“Brother, you will be truly missed,” Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis wrote on social media. “They will never forget the memories and hard work you put in on and off the football field. You always gave back and were a pillar of the community, a Raven for life. Love you JJ.”

Jones finished his career with 203 receptions for 2,733 yards and 14 touchdowns with 7,628 return yards and nine special teams scores.

Jones played for the Texans from 2007 to 2011 and joined the Ravens as a free agent after being released by the Texans in 2012, playing in Baltimore for three seasons. He then played for the Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers before retiring on September 29, 2017, signing a one-day contract with the Ravens to retire as a member of the AFC North franchise.

Jones was hired this year by the Beaumont Renegades, an indoor football team, as head coach and offensive coordinator.

“Jacoby was a special football player,” the Renegades said in a statement. “He loved every minute of every game and knew that every day was a blessing. But what can be said about Jacoby the football player only scratches the surface of who he was as a man. When you needed someone, he was there. When you called, he answered. When you texted, he answered. It didn’t matter if you were a family member, a close friend, a former coach or teammate, a player he coached.

“What Jacoby loved to do most was give back and help the next generation of kids achieve their dreams and reach their full potential. He left no one behind and gave his time to every young child and player who asked for it. Our deepest condolences and sympathies go out to his family as they deal with this sudden and tragic loss.”

Jones began coaching in 2018 as the wide receivers coach at his alma mater, Lane College. He coached wide receivers at Calvert Hall High School in Baltimore and tight ends at Morgan State before being hired in 2022 as the wide receivers coach at Alabama State.

Jones previously competed on the TV show Dancing with the Stars, partnering Karina Smirnoff and reaching the final before finishing in third place.

Jones was named to the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Hall of Fame this year and is also in the Lane College Hall of Fame and the Marion Abramson High School Hall of Fame in New Orleans.

“My favorite football play was Jacoby talking to his mom in the end zone right before a kickoff return late in a shootout against the Vikings in the snow,” Harbaugh said. “Jacob then ran to catch the ball and ran it back for a touchdown.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com