HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Jacoby Jones, a former NFL wide receiver who spent his first five seasons with the Houston Texans, has passed away at the age of 40.
Jones, a New Orleans native, was drafted 73rd overall in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft after completing his college career at Lane College. He played for the Texans until 2012 when he was released and subsequently signed with the Baltimore Ravens a week later.
Jones had a standout season with the Ravens, earning a Pro Bowl selection and delivering two unforgettable moments in the 2012 NFL playoffs: a 70-yard game-winning touchdown catch in an AFC showdown against the Denver Broncos and a 108-yard kickoff return touchdown in Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers, one of the longest in NFL history.
The news of Jones’ death has been met with an outpouring of grief from players and organizations. The Houston Texans expressed their condolences on social media, stating, “We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Jacoby Jones. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.”
Former Texans star J.J. Watt remembered Jones fondly, saying, “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.”
The Baltimore Ravens also mourned their former player, with head coach John Harbaugh sharing heartfelt words.
No cause of death has been announced at this time.
According to ESPN, Jones had been serving as the wide receivers coach at Alabama State for the past two seasons and was recently hired as the head coach of the Beaumont Renegades, an Arena football franchise set to begin play in 2025.
