Former NFL wide receiver Jacoby Jones. Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Two postseason TDs that defined Jacoby Jones' career

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Jul 14, 2024 3:26 PM ET

Former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones has died at 40.
No cause of death was announced. In a statement released through the NFL Players Association on Sunday, Jones' family said he died "peacefully" at his home in New Orleans.

Jones signed with the Ravens in May 2012, shortly after the Texans released him, per Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio. It proved to be a great signing, as Jones earned a first-team All-Pro nod and helped the Ravens capture their second Super Bowl.

In a divisional playoff game against the Denver Broncos in January 2013, Jones made the biggest catch of his career. With 31 seconds remaining and the Ravens trailing 35-28, he slipped behind safety Rahim Moore and caught a 70-yard, game-tying touchdown pass from quarterback Joe Flacco. Baltimore would pull off a 38-35 victory in overtime.

MILE HIGH MIRACLE

Remember when @JoeFlacco & Jacoby Jones did this nine years ago today in the Divisional Round? (via @nflthrowback) pic.twitter.com/jv0hj3avDI
— NFL (@NFL) January 12, 2022

Dubbed "The Mile High Miracle," the incredible catch was named the greatest moment in Ravens history as a part of the NFL's 100th anniversary celebration in 2019.

Never forget when Jacoby Jones made history in Super Bowl XLVII.

Rest In Peace ️♥️ pic.twitter.com/9quyxrGVUT
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) July 14, 2024

Then, in a 34-31 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII, Jones returned a kickoff for a 108-yard TD. According to ESPN's Jamison Hensley, it is the longest-scoring play in Super Bowl history.

"I loved Jacoby Jones. We all did," Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said in a statement Sunday, via Clifton Brown of the team website. "His spirit, enthusiasm and love for people were powerful. He was a light. My favorite Jacoby personal moment was every time I saw his smiling face full of joy."

Former teammates, including J.J. Watt and Ray Lewis, shared heartfelt tributes through their X accounts.

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, 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

Jones would also play for the Steelers and Chargers before signing a one-day contract and retiring with the Ravens in 2017.

"Jacoby had the unique ability to connect with everyone he encountered," the Ravens said in a statement, via Brown. "His charisma, joy and love created a one-of-a-kind presence that could light up any room or brighten any dark day."

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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