Jacoby Jones dies at 40: NFL world mourns loss of former Ravens WR, return specialist

Former NFL wide receiver and return specialist Jacoby Jones died Saturday night, the Raven announced on Sunday.

He died overnight at his home in Houston. The cause of death is not currently known.

Jones had just turned 40 years old, with his birthday coming on July 11.

Jones spent nine seasons in the NFL, starting with the Texans for five seasons before joining the Ravens in 2012. He earned his lone Pro Bowl honor with Baltimore, which came in his first season with the Ravens.

A native of New Orleans, La., Jones helped the Ravens win Super Bowl XLVII in 2013 against the 49ers. His 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against San Francisco marks the longest play in Super Bowl history. Jones also had a receiving TD in that championship, becoming the first player to catch a TD and score on a return in the same Super Bowl.

He split his final season with the Steelers and the Chargers. Jones finished his career with 203 receptions for 2,733 yards and 14 touchdowns. On special teams, he ended with 7,628 return yards and nine TDs.

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh released a statement on Sunday following his passing on behalf of the Baltimore organization.

"We are completely heartbroken to learn about the passing of Jacoby Jones," the statement read . "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 began to process this devastating loss."

NFL reacts to death of Jacoby Jones

Former teammates and opponents of Jones took to social media on Sunday to mourn the loss of Jones.

Among those that posted about his passing included former Ravens WR Torrey Smith, former Ravens LB Ray Lewis, and current Ravens QB Lamar Jackson.