Former Ravens WR, Super Bowl champion Jacoby Jones dead at 40

(WBFF) — Former Ravens wide receiver and Super Bowl 47 legend Jacoby Jones has died, WBFF confirmed with a league source.

In a statement released by the NFL Players Association, his family said he died at his home in New Orleans. A cause of death was not given.

The Louisiana native was a fan favorite in Baltimore, named an All-Pro, and Pro Bowler in his first season with the Ravens. That year, with the help of Jones, the Ravens went on to win Super Bowl XLVII over the 49ers.

Jones was a huge part of the team's playoff run. How can anyone forget the 70-yard touchdown reception in the Divisional Round against the Broncos as the team trailed with under a minute to go? The Ravens went on to tie the game with 31 seconds left and win the game in double overtime. It's a play that will forever be known as the Mile High Miracle.

To top that, in Super Bowl XLVII against the 49ers, Jones became the first player to score a receiving touchdown and return a touchdown in the same game in Super Bowl history. Jones not only caught a 56-yard touchdown pass from Joe Flacco, he would return the opening kickoff of the second half for a 108-yard touchdown, marking the longest play in Super Bowl or postseason history. The Ravens would win their second ring in franchise history, with Jones winning his first.

Not to mention his iconic touchdown celebration, one he had to bring back when announcing the Ravens pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

The Ravens organization released a statement on the passing of Jones:

We are completely heartbroken to learn about the passing of Jacoby Jones. Jacoby had the unique ability to connect with everyone he encountered. His charisma, joy and love created a one-of-a-kind presence that could light up any room or brighten any dark day. Jacoby will long be remembered not just for his success on the football field, but for the lasting personal connections he made with countless people in the Ravens organization, Baltimore community and every area he called home. We share our deepest condolences with Jacoby's family as we all begin to process this devastating loss.

John Harbaugh coached Jones from 2012 to 2014 in Baltimore.

"I loved Jacoby Jones. We all did," said Harbaugh in a statement. "His spirit, enthusiasm and love for people were powerful. He was a light. He was the cherished son of his loving mom, Ms. Emily. They were so close. He was a man of faith. My favorite football play was when Jacoby was talking to his mom in the end zone, just before a late-game kickoff return against the Vikings in a snowstorm shootout. Jacoby then raced to catch the ball and run it back for a touchdown. My favorite Jacoby personal moment was every time I saw his smiling face full of Joy. Rest in peace, Jacoby, in the arms of Jesus."

After his playing days, Jones shifted his focus to coaching. He had stints at Lane College (2018-2019), Calvert Hall (2020), Morgan State (2021), and Alabama State (2022-2023). Jacoby Jones was 40 years old, and will be deeply missed.

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Editor's note: The Associated Press contributed to this article.