Former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver and return specialist Jacoby Jones, who helped the franchise win Super Bowl XLVII in 2013, passed away just after his 40th birthday.
According to a medical examiner’s office in Louisiana, Jones died of hypertensive cardiovascular disease caused by long-term high blood pressure.
“Jones was found in his home in New Orleans July 14 after dying in his sleep. The Orleans Parish coroner said it is listed as a natural death,” Fox News reports.
R.I.P Jacoby Jones
Jacoby Jones' cause of death has been revealed, as it's been clarified that the former NFL star passed away from hypertensive cardiovascular disease.
Died: Age 40 (July 14, 2024 – New Orleans, Louisiana, USA)
Cause of Death: Hypertensive cardiovascular… pic.twitter.com/CevRWsf44b
— “Sudden And Unexpected” (@toobaffled) August 9, 2024
Per Fox News:
Jones spent three seasons with the Ravens. In addition to his charisma, Jones will also be remembered for his heroics in that Super Bowl over 11 years ago.
Jones hauled in a 56-yard touchdown pass during the game and opened the second half with a 108-yard kickoff return that helped lift the Ravens to a 34-31 win over the San Francisco 49ers.
He also caught a 70-yard touchdown pass from Joe Flacco in the final seconds of the divisional playoff round against the Denver Broncos to send that game to overtime. The play is known as the “Mile High Miracle.” Baltimore won in double overtime, 38-35.
Jones was a third-round pick out of Lane College by the Houston Texans, and he played for the Chargers and Steelers before calling it a career in 2017.
Jones turned 40 three days prior to his death.
Bleacher Report aired this interview with Jacoby Jones in January 2020:
Super Bowl 47 had everything for Jacoby Jones
Lights went out ✔️
An iconic moment with Ray Lewis ✔️
The most all-purpose yards in Super Bowl history ✔️New ‘Untold Stories’ with @MasterTes pic.twitter.com/xTJHcYwu7s
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 15, 2020
WATCH:
RIP Jacoby Jones
Never Forget His Super Bowl Performance In His Hometown Of New Orleans
290 Total Yards
1 REC
56 YDS
2 TD
108 Yard Kickoff Return— Boot Krewe Media (@BootKreweMedia) July 14, 2024
TMZ reports:
As we previously reported, Jones was found dead in his New Orleans home on July 14 … and his family, friends, and former NFL teammates were heartbroken over the sudden loss.
“My brother, you will truly be missed,” Hall of Famer Ray Lewis said shortly after his Ravens teammate’s passing.
“They can’t take the memories and the hard work you put in on and off the football field. You always gave back and always a pillar in the community, a Ravens for life. Love ya JJ”
Jones — a former Lane College receiver — was a third-round pick in the 2007 NFL Draft and played five seasons with the Houston Texans.
The 6-foot-3 athlete then went on to play for the Ravens, winning Super Bowl XLVII. He also had brief stints with the Chargers and Steelers.
Jones’ 108-yard kickoff return touchdown is the longest play in Super Bowl or postseason history.
At the time of his death, Jones was the wide receivers coach at Alabama State University.