Jacoby Jones' family expresses appreciation following WR's death

Jacoby Jones, who once electrified fans of the Houston Texans as a return man and receiver, died peacefully in his home in New Orleans, the Jones family announced Sunday morning.

Jones, who also made history for the longest play in Super Bowl history as a member of the Baltimore Ravens, had just turned 40 on Thursday.

In a statement released by the NFLPA, the Jones family expressed their gratitude for the kind words from NFL fans on the passing of the longtime NFL receiver.

“We want to express our gratitude for all the kind thoughts and support you have shown us during this challenging time,” the family wrote. “Your ongoing support and respecting our privacy means a lot to us.”

Jones, a third-round pick out of Lane College in 2007, spent five of his nine seasons as a member of the Texans and was a staple of the return game under Gary Kubiak. He still holds numerous franchise records, including most punt returns in a single season, most punt return yards in a single season and most career all-purpose yards, among others.

As a complimentary piece to Andre Johnson and Owen Daniels, Jones totaled 127 catches for 1,741 yards and 11 touchdowns as a receiver. He was released before the start of the 2012 season and immediately signed a two-year contract with the Ravens,

A fixture in Baltimore’s special teams game, Jones stepped up in critical moments while helping the Ravens secure their second Super Bowl title in franchise history. He caught a 71-yard touchdown pass from Joe Flacco against the Denver Broncos with 31 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to tie the score in what would later be dubbed the “Mile High Miracle.”

Jones also stepped twice in Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers with a pair of scores. He caught a 56-yard touchdown pass from Flacco in the second quarter after falling to the ground and evading a pair of defenders in the red zone.

Jones also kickstarted the second half with a historic 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Those two scores were enough to secure a 34-31 win despite a comeback from the 49ers.

Perhaps the best part of all? The Super Bowl that year was played at the Superdome in front of Jones’ family in New Orleans.

“I loved Jacoby Jones,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. “We all did. His spirit, enthusiasm and love for people were powerful. He was a light.

“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.”

Known for his vibrant personality and dance moves on the field, Jones took his talents to the ballroom as a contestant on “Dancing with the Stars” in 2013, where he was a finalist and came in third place in season 16 with partner Karina Smirnoff.

In April, Jones was named head coach of the Beaumont Renegades, an arena league set to begin play in 2025. He previously coached at his alma mater at Lane College and Alabama State, working with wide receivers.

“What can be said about him as a football player is only scratching the surface of who he was as a man,” the Renegades said in a statement. “When you needed something, he was there.”

For his career, Jones finished with 203 receptions for 2,733 yards and 14 touchdowns. As a returner, he scored an additional nine touchdowns (five kickoffs, four punts) in 128 total regular-season games.

The Texans also released a statement on Jones’ passing, offering condolences to the family.