Former Texans Wide Receiver Jacoby Jones Passes Away At 40 Years of Age

Caleb Skinner | Jul 14, 2024

Jan 7, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans receiver Jacoby Jones (12) during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Reliant Stadium. The Texans defeated the Bengals 31-10. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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Houston Texans

Beloved former Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens wide receiver and return specialist Jacoby Jones has sadly passed away at the young age of 40.

We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Jacoby Jones. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/Ny4UBLMwdb
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) July 14, 2024

Jones was drafted in the third round back in 2007 by the Texans out of HBCU Lane College. Throughout his four-year collegiate career, Jones was an All-SIAC (Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) player as a WR and return specialist - accomplishments that ultimately earned him an induction into the 2024 SIAC Hall of Fame just four days ago in Atlanta, Georgia.

Jones spent the beginning portions of his NFL career in Houston from 2007 to 2011, catching 127 passes for 2,733 yards and 14 touchdowns, but he made his real impact as a return specialist, returning kickoffs and punts for four total touchdowns.

Jones' playmaking abilities eventually led him to play for the Baltimore Ravens, where he will most be remembered as the first player in NFL history to score a receiving and return touchdown in the same championship game during Super Bowl XLVII - the 108-yard return touchdown still remains the most extended play in Super Bowl or postseason history.

Rest in Peace to Jacoby Jones.

A Ravens Legend. You will never be forgotten 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/kDYoIqFvyU
— The Ravens Realm (@RealmRavens) July 14, 2024

Off the field, Jones was a high character who created relationships that would last a lifetime. His playmaking capabilities, football IQ, and those previously mentioned relationships helped Jones also recently be named the head coach/offensive coordinator of the Beaumont Renegades, an expansion organization of the National Arena League (NAL), in the spring of 2025.

A life gone too soon for a man who was just seeing the second chapter of his life getting underway. Jones will be missed across the league and former teammates, current players, coaches, and friends have chimed in to express their condolences while remembering how great of a person Jones was.

shit hurts. love you homie🙏🏾🕊️ pic.twitter.com/JE4odiQdyo
— feeno (@ArianFoster) July 14, 2024

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

Jacoby was one of the most fun-loving teammates and people I’ve ever been around. Always dancing and laughing, with a permanent smile on his face.

Gone far, far too soon.

R.I.P Jacoby Jones.

🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/7r2aIJrb13
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) 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!

Love you bro! pic.twitter.com/r9MZKU4sqb
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) July 14, 2024

True legend man... RIP🙏🏾 https://t.co/b2K49xIG5d
— SAUCE GARDNER (@iamSauceGardner) July 14, 2024

This one hurt bad dawg!!! Rest in heaven my G!! Love you dawg 🥺💔🕊️ https://t.co/5UtPZkCZ1T
— Mark Ingram II (@markingramII) July 14, 2024

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family of Jacoby Jones during this difficult time. I enjoyed coaching him during his time with the Steelers.
— Mike Tomlin (@CoachTomlin) July 14, 2024

"I loved Jacoby Jones. We all did. His spirit, enthusiasm and love for people were powerful. He was a light." pic.twitter.com/lpMLRp3EDx
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) July 14, 2024

Jacoby Jones was one of the most energetic, and fun loving teammates. Always had a smile on his face and never one to shy away from dancing. Blessed to have shared the huddle with you brother. Gone way to soon.
RIP Jacoby 🙏
— Matt Schaub (@matt8schaub) July 14, 2024

Jacoby passed away in his sleep just days after his 40th birthday. The direct cause of his passing is still unknown at this time.

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