HBCU Legend, SIAC Hall Of Famer, And Super Bowl Champion Passes At 40
![Oct 26, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones (12) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports Oct 26, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones (12) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_3456,h_1944,x_0,y_68/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/hbcu_legends/01j2rz9r131qdytrv4ay.jpg)
HOUSTON - HBCU legend Jacoby Jones died three days after celebrating his 40th birthday. The former Lane College standout was pivotal to the Dragons football team from 2003 to 2006. He was named offensive player of the year, special team player of the year, and all-conference. Former Texas Southern head coach Johnnie Cole featured Jones in his potent offensive attack at Lane.
Jones headlined a group enshrined at the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Hall of Fame ceremony in May. Lane College and Marion Abramson High School in New Orleans inducted him into their Hall of Fame.
Jones was selected by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft, where he played for five seasons.
My brother, you will truly be missed. They can’t take the memories and the hard work you put in on and off the football field. You always gave back and always a pillar in the community, a @Ravens for life 💜. Love ya JJ#RL52 #Ray #Lewis #52 #JacobyJones12 #Jacoby #Jones #12… pic.twitter.com/kfmb0DHHJb
— Ray Lewis (@raylewis) July 14, 2024
My brother! I thank God for the memories and your impact on this world. 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!
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) July 14, 2024
Love you bro! pic.twitter.com/r9MZKU4sqb
"Jacoby was one of the most fun-loving teammates and people I've ever been around," former Texans teammate J.J. Watt posted on his social media account. "Always dancing and laughing, with a permanent smile on his face. Gone far, far too soon. R.I.P Jacoby Jones."
During his remarkable 2011-12 season with the Ravens, Jones recorded a 70-yard game-tying touchdown catch in the AFC Divisional playoff game, keeping the team's Super Bowl campaign alive.
Can’t believe the news man….RIP Jacoby Jones 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/z5BfY0JJOM
— RAMEY (@HoodieRamey) July 14, 2024
A few weeks later, he recorded the longest play in Super Bowl history with a 108-yard kickoff return in Super Bowl XLVII victory. That season, the receiver received his first NFL Pro Bowl selection.
Rest in Peace to Jacoby Jones.
— The Ravens Realm (@RealmRavens) July 14, 2024
A Ravens Legend. You will never be forgotten 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/kDYoIqFvyU
Jones played nine seasons in the NFL for the Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, San Diego Chargers, and Pittsburgh Steelers before returning to his alma mater to coach wide receivers for two seasons in 2018. Jones had stints as a coach before his death.