Former Baltimore Ravens Player Jacoby Jones Dead at 40

Jacoby Jones , the former NFL wide receiver who played on the Baltimore Ravens’ Super Bowl-winning team in 2013, has died. He was 40.

The Ravens announced Jones’ death with a “completely heartbroken” statement via Instagram on Sunday, July 14. Details regarding the cause and circumstances of his death were not immediately released to the public.

“Jacoby had the unique ability to connect with everyone he encountered,” the team’s statement said in part. “His charisma, joy and love created a one-of-a-kind presence that could light up any room or brighten any dark day.”

John Harbaugh , the Ravens’ head coach, said he and the rest of the team “loved” Jones in an emotional statement.

“His spirit, enthusiasm and love for people were powerful. He was a light,” Harbaugh said, later adding that his “favorite Jacoby personal moment” was “every time I saw his smiling face full of Joy.”

Jones was born on July 11, 1984, in New Orleans, La. His professional football career began in 2007 when he was drafted by the Houston Texans as a third-round pick. He joined the Ravens as a free agent in 2012 and spent three seasons with the team. It was while he was playing with the Ravens that he became a Super Bowl champion, scoring two touchdowns and helping the team close out the game against the San Francisco 49ers with a final score of 34-31.

Later in his career, Jones played with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chargers at the time, the latter team was based in San Diego, Calif. He later returned to the Ravens for a single day in 2017 so that he could retire with the Maryland team, according to ESPN .

The news of Jones’ death inspired a wave of tributes from his former teammates on social media.

Ray Lewis , a former Ravens linebacker who played with Jones in Super Bowl XLVII, said his former teammate "will truly be missed.”

“They can’t take the memories and the hard work you put in on and off the football field,” Lewis wrote on X , formerly Twitter, as he shared a throwback photo of himself and Jones on a football field. “You always gave back and always a pillar in the community, a @Ravens for life 💜. Love ya JJ.”

Torrey Smith , another Super Bowl XLVII alum, also shared throwback photos of himself with Jones on X . “My brother! I thank God for the memories and your impact on this world,” Smith wrote. “You were 1 of 1! Your play on the field and jokes will live on forever! We have Momma Jones a Lil Coby’s back for life! This one hurt me man! We are going to miss you! Love you bro!”

“Rest in Peace to a Baltimore legend 🤍,” Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens tweeted as he offered “prayers and condolences” to Jones’ family.

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