NFL, New Orleans community mourn the loss of Jacoby Jones

NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO ) — In a statement released Sunday afternoon, the family of Jacoby Jones confirmed the Abramson product passed away peacefully at his home in New Orleans.

The cause of death is unknown at this time.

The statement, released by the NFLPA on behalf of the Jones family, stated the following:

“We are deeply saddened to share that Jacoby Jones, a beloved former Ravens football player from New Orleans and a proud graduate of a historically black college has passed away at the age of 40. In a statement, the Jones family confirmed that Jacoby Jones passed away peacefully at his home in New Orleans, Louisiana. The family, including his mother, Emily, and son, little Jacoby are together and are asking for your prayers, privacy, and support as they navigate through this difficult time.”

Jacoby Jones played in the NFL with the Houston Texans (2007-2011), Baltimore Ravens (2012-2014), San Diego Chargers (2015) and Pittsburgh Steelers (2015).

On the field, he is best remembered for his performance in the Baltimore Ravens’ 34-31 win over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII on February 3, 2013.

The championship game was played at the Superdome and the New Orleans native put on a show for his hometown crowd.

Jones caught a 56-yard touchdown pass in the game, but he could cap off his heroic performance with a 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

To this day, Jones’ kickoff return remains the longest-scoring play in Super Bowl history.

In a statement released Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens’ General Manager Eric DeCosta said, “Jacoby will go down in history as a champion and celebrated in Baltimore as a football hero. I will always cherish his smile and infectious personality and the joy that he brought to his city.”

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

The news of Jones’ passing is also felt here in the city of New Orleans.

Former congressman and fellow New Orleans native Cedric Richmond released a statement Sunday afternoon.

“I’ve known Jacoby since his park ball days. He was always a great fun-loving person. His smile would brighten every room he entered. He never forgot where he came from and always wanted to help young men that came behind him,” said Richmond.  “He showed the world in the Super Bowl and on Dancing with the Stars that he was all New Orleans through and through.  He inherited his kindness from his mom, Ms. Emily who devoted herself to Jacoby and Xavier University.  This is a sad day for New Orleans and the thousands of people that Jacoby touched. Let’s celebrate his life and know that he is looking down on us smiling and dancing.”

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