Former Houston Texans third-round pick Jacoby Jones tragically passes away at 40 years old

Former Houston Texans third-round draft pick and return specialist Jacoby Jones, who played the majority of his nine-year NFL career in Houston, has died.

Jones was just 40 years of age at his passing.

Jones was originally drafted with the 73rd overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft by the Texans. He suited up for 75 games in Houston as both a receiver and returner, starting out mainly as a punt returner during his rookie season. He would expand his role to kickoff return duties in his second season while also returning two punts for touchdowns.

Jones became more relied on as a receiver during his final three years with the Texans, posting 1,511 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns from 2009-11. He averaged 24.1 yards per kickoff return and 9.8 yards per punt return during those seasons as well.

Houston released during the 2012 offseason, and the Baltimore Ravens signed him not two weeks after he became available. Jones immediately became the Ravens' top returner as he went on to be named an All-Pro and Pro Bowler. He led the league in kickoff return touchdowns (two) kickoff return average (30.7), and had the longest return of the season at 108 yards. He scored two touchdowns, one receiving and one on a kickoff return, in Baltimore's 34-31 victory in Super Bowl XLVII.

Jones would go on to play for three more seasons and played his final year in 2015 with both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Chargers. He turned 40 years old just a few days ago on July 11.