Alabama State assistant coach Jacoby Jones during the ASU Black and Gold spring game at Hornet Stadium in Montgomery, Ala., on Saturday, April 15, 2023. Asu13 Former NFL wide receiver and special teams player Jacoby Jones has died, three days after his 40th birthday.
No cause of death has been released.
His death was confirmed by the Beaumont Renegades, who hired Jones as head coach and offensive coordinator of the indoor football team, which is scheduled to begin play in 2025.
He reportedly died in his sleep at his home in Texas during the night.
Jones is best known for catching the “Mile High Miracle” on January 12, 2013, as well as for recording two touchdowns in the Baltimore Ravens’ 34–31 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII on February 3, 2013.
With his team facing a third-and-30, Jones hauled in a 70-yard touchdown pass from Joe Flacco to tie the game with 31 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter of Baltimore’s AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Denver Broncos. Justin Tucker kicked a 47-yard field goal in the second overtime to lift the Ravens to a 38-35 victory.
Three weeks later, Jones had a 56-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter and added a 108-yard kickoff return to start the third against the 49ers. The latter return is the longest in playoff history.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jacoby Jones,” the Ravens said in a statement. “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.”
A 2012 Pro Bowl selection and All-Pro selection, Jones has 203 receptions for 2,733 yards and 14 touchdowns in 128 career games (33 starts) with the Houston Texans (2007-11), Ravens (2012-14), Pittsburgh Steelers (2015) and San Diego Chargers (2015). Jones was selected by the Texans in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft out of Lane College.
Former Texans star defensive end JJ Watt took to social media to pay tribute to his former teammate.
“Jacoby was one of the funniest teammates and people I’ve ever been around. He was always dancing and laughing, with a permanent smile on his face,” Watt wrote on Twitter.
“Gone far away, far too soon.”
Jacoby was one of the funniest teammates and people I’ve ever been around. He was always dancing and laughing, with a permanent smile on his face.
Gone far away, far too soon.
Rest in peace Jacoby Jones.
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— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 14, 2024
Most recently, Jones served as the wide receivers coach at Alabama State for the past two seasons.
–Field level media
