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Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens star Jacoby Jones dies at age 40
BALTIMORE (AP) — Former NFL player Jacoby Jones, whose 108-yard kickoff return in 2013 stays the longest touchdown in Super Bowl history, has died. He was 40.
The Houston Texans, Jones’ team for the primary five seasons of his profession, announced his death Sunday. No immediate reason behind death was available.
Jones played for the Texans, Baltimore Ravens, San Diego Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers from 2007 to 2015, and made several key plays within the latter season, when the Ravens won a Super Bowl title.
Jones played a key role in Baltimore’s “Mile High Miracle” in a January 2013 playoff game at Denver. He caught 70-yard touchdown pass with 31 seconds left within the fourth quarter to tie the rating. The Ravens ultimately won in double additional time.
In the postseason Super Bowl against San Francisco, Jones caught a 56-yard TD pass from eventual MVP Joe Flacco. He then ran 108 yards into the tip zone to start out the second half and provides Baltimore a 28-6 lead. The Ravens held on to the advantage and won 34-31.
This Super Bowl was played in New Orleans, where Jones grew up.
“My favorite football play was when Jacoby was talking to his mom in the end zone just before the late kickoff return against the Vikings in a shootout in a snowstorm. Jacoby ran to catch the ball and ran it back for a touchdown,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in an announcement. “My favorite personal Jacoby moment was anytime I saw his smiling face filled with joy.”
Jones was named to the Associated Press All-Pro team as a kick returner within the 2012 season. (*40*) thereafter, he appeared on Dancing With the Stars.
“Jacoby was one of the most fun-loving teammates and people I’ve ever been around,” former Texans pass-rushing star JJ Watt said on social media. “He was always dancing and laughing, with a perpetual smile on his face. He left far, far too soon.”