The cause of death of NFL star Jacoby Jones has finally been revealed via media reports. When news of Jacoby’s unexpected death at 40 was publicized, tributes flooded online platforms.
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, mere days after celebrating a big milestone. His family confirmed the news in a statement.
Jacoby Jones of the Baltimore Ravens dances before a game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland on December 28, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
Jacoby’s family said he died peacefully in New Orleans, Louisiana. “The family, including his mother, Emily, and his son, little Jacoby, are together and are asking for your prayers, privacy, and support as they navigate through this difficult time,” the statement read.
Now that some time has passed since his family shared their statement, Jacoby’s cause of death has been revealed.
According to TMZ Sports, the Super Bowl star died as a result of Hypertensive Cardiovascular Disease. Details released from the medical examiner, which were shared on Tuesday, August 6, disclosed that Jacoby’s heart disease was caused by long-term high blood pressure.
Jacoby Jones during an NFL game against the Green Bay Packers in Baltimore, Maryland on October 13, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
Thus, they listed the manner of his death as natural. When the news of Jacoby’s untimely death was first announced (before his cause of death was revealed), tributes from his colleagues and fans began pouring in.
Jacoby Jones waves to fans after the Big 12 Red River Showdown game in Dallas, Texas on October 12, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
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. Alongside the image, he recalled, “Jacoby was one of the most fun-loving teammates and people I’ve ever been around.”
J.J. said the late star was always laughing and dancing, and his smile was permanently on his face. “Gone far, far too soon,” he added before signing off with “R.I.P Jacoby Jones.”
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.
He described the late star as “1 of 1,” noting how his field plays and jokes will “live on forever!” Torrey also shared that he and others would be looking after Emily and Jacoby’s son forever before confessing that his death hurt him. Torrey concluded by saying Jacoby will be missed. “Love you bro!” read the end of his caption.
The Baltimore Ravens also released a statement saying they were “completely heartbroken” upon learning about Jacoby’s 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. They added that his lasting connections made in the Baltimore community, in the Ravens, and in the places he called home will also live on.
Jacoby Jones posing for a picture with a loved one, posted on December 25, 2020 | Source: Instagram/digital_12
Additionally, 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.
John Harbaugh speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 27, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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.
Jacoby Jones at the Third Annual Hall of Game Awards in Santa Monica, California on February 9, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
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!
Jacoby Jones and his mother, Emily London, at the 2013 ESPY Awards in Los Angeles, California on July 17, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
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.
Jacoby Jones signs autographs for fans at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland on December 3, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
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 would 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,” Ray further expressed.
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 “lit up every room/field.” “Rest easy my brother..we will miss your presence,” he added.
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 posted about him, with one parent sharing pictures on X of the star posing and interacting with her two sons. “RIP Jacoby[.] Gone too soon. Got to see him interact with the youth and my sons and seemed like [a] great guy,” she wrote.
On the other hand, 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.” Another netizen replied, “3 days after turning 40?! Inconceivable!”
Jacoby Jones at the ESPY Awards in Los Angeles, California on July 17, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
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. Jacoby was also hired as Alabama State’s receivers coach in 2022.
Jacoby Jones warming up before a game against the Cleveland Browns in Cleveland, Ohio on September 21, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
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.
Karina Smirnoff and Jacoby Jones on season 16 of “Dancing With the Stars” on May 20, 2013. | Source: Getty Images
Jacoby’s death came on the heels of a recognition he had recently received. On July 10, a day before he celebrated his 40th birthday, he was inducted into the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Hall of Fame.
Apart from this, he is also in his alma mater’s Hall of Fame and a Hall of Famer at Marion Abramson, which was his high school in New Orleans. RIP, dear Jacoby.