Jacoby Jones, a Former NFL Wide Receiver and Super Bowl Champion, Died at 40

On July 14, 2024, the world lost a talented football player when Jacoby Jones died at home while sleeping. The Lane College third-round draft pick was 40 when he passed away overnight. His family confirmed the news in a statement.

Jacoby’s family said he died peacefully in New Orleans, Louisiana. The former Houston Texans wide receiver is survived by his son, Jacoby Jr., and his mother, Emily. They have asked for prayers, privacy, and his fans’ support while dealing with the grief of their loss.

No cause of death was revealed at the time. Showing how much people loved him, the star’s loved ones have paid tribute to him.

Tributes Pour in from Jacoby’s Colleagues

Jacoby’s colleagues were among the first to mourn him. J.J. Watt, the Texans’ football defensive end, took to X to share a picture of the late athlete in action. He recalled how Jacoby was one of the “most fun-loving teammates” and people he had ever met.

J.J. said the late star was always laughing and dancing, and his smile was permanently on his face. The colleague felt his teammate had gone too soon before wishing him a peaceful rest.

Torrey Smith also honored Jacoby with several throwback pictures on X. He called the late athlete his “brother,” thanking God for the memories they made and the impact Jacoby had on the world.

Torrey described the late star as “1 of 1,” noting how his field plays and jokes will “live on forever!” He also shared that they would be looking after Emily and Jacoby’s son forever before confessing that his death hurt him.

Torrey concluded by saying they are going to miss Jacoby and declared his love. The Baltimore Ravens also released a statement saying they were “completely heartbroken” upon learning about his death.

The team recalled how the athlete had the “unique ability” to connect with all those he came across. His joy, charisma, and love created a “one-of-a-kind presence” that lit up rooms and brightened dark days.

The Ravens said long after he’s gone, Jacoby will be remembered for his successful career on the football field. But his lasting connections made in the Baltimore community, in the Ravens, and in the places he called home will also live on.

The team offered support to his family by sharing their condolences with them as they all started processing the loss. The Ravens’ head coach, John Harbaugh, also gave a statement noting how he and all the others had “loved” Jacoby.

They loved his powerful enthusiasm, spirit, and the love he had for people. John described him as a light and the “cherished son” of his mother, whom the “man of faith” was very close to. The head coach even recalled one of his favorite football plays by the late athlete.

John remembered that on that day, just before the late-game kickoff return, Jacoby was in the end zone talking to his mother in a snowstorm shootout. He managed to run, catch the ball, and score a touchdown!

But John’s personal favorite moment of Jacoby was every time he saw the star smiling and happy. He hoped the late athlete would rest in peace in Jesus’ arms. Ray Lewis, the Ravens Hall of Fame linebacker, also accompanied his X post with several photos of his late colleague.

Just like Torrey, he called Jacoby his brother and revealed that he will be missed. Ray shared that no one could take the hard work and memories that the footballer put in on and off the field. He said the late star always gave back and will remain a pillar of the community, and a Ravens.

Sharing a GIF of Jacoby scoring a goal and celebrating with a dance, Pat McAfee described him as “an absolute legend.” He confirmed that everyone he met had loved the athlete who could make any room or field light up when he walked in.

Pat asked for his “brother” to “rest easy” and admitted that they will miss his presence. Robert Griffin III also honored Jacoby with a picture of him celebrating on the field with his Ravens teammates. He sent prayers to the Super Bowl Champion’s friends, family, and loved ones.

Calling the athlete a “Baltimore Ravens Legend,” Robert described him as a “triple threat,” who was fast, funny, and could dance. He also noted how Jacoby will be missed and that he was taken from them too soon.

Sharing a black-and-white image of the late athlete, the Houston Texans said they were “deeply saddened” to hear about his death. The team sent their thoughts and prayers to his family. Jacoby’s fans also shared their condolences and grief on social media.

Jacoby’s Fans Mourn His Death

People who are Jacoby’s fans also posted about him, with one parent sharing pictures of the star posing with the fan’s two sons. The sad and heartbroken person wrote on the X post, “RIP Jacoby Gone too soon. Got to see him interact with the youth and my sons and seemed like great guy.”

A sports fan who read J.J.’s post had a simple response, “Rest in peace.” Another X user responded to the same post writing, “I’m shocked! He’ll be missed by all football fans.” A netizen who replied to J.J.’s post found it “Inconceivable!” that Jacoby was gone “3 days after turning 40?!”

In 2018, Jacoby started working as the wide receivers coach at Lane College. He coached Morgan State’s tight ends and Calvert Hall High School’s receivers in Baltimore before moving on. In 2022, he was hired as Alabama State’s receivers coach.

Some people might also recall him partnering with Karina Smirnoff when he competed in “Dancing with the Stars.” As some of his colleagues mentioned, he was good at dancing and reached the finals of the competition before nabbing third place.

In 2024, Jacoby was inducted into the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Hall of Fame. He is also in his alma mater’s Hall of Fame and the Hall of Fame at Marion Abramson, his high school in New Orleans.