(DailyDig.com) – Jacoby Jones, a former wide receiver in the NFL, died on June 13 at 40. His cause of death is unknown at this time.
Jones was a Baltimore Ravens player, Pro Bowler, and Super Bowl champion. The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) released their statement for the family, saying that Jones had died peacefully at home in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he was born and spent his formative years. They expressed their sorrow for the Jones family’s loss of their husband and father.
The statement continued to express their admiration for Jones, as he was uniquely able to connect with whomever he came into contact with. He had a joyful presence and a charisma that created a bright day from a dark one by lightening up any room.
Jones is best known for his “Mile High Miracle,” a history-making catch of a pass by Joe Flacco, the Ravens’ quarterback, during the games played as they ran after a place in Super Bowl XLVII. With only 31 seconds left in the fourth quarter, the 70-yard touchdown pass and Jones’ “Mile High” catch allowed the Ravens to win the playoff game with the Denver Broncos in a double overtime miracle.
Then, during the Super Bowl in 2012 with the San Francisco 49ers, Jones caught a 56-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. Following the return kickoff, he ran a 108-yard return to score a touchdown. That return currently stands as the longest in the history of postseason games. The New Orleans Superdome made it even more glorious for Jones.
The Ravens former general manager, Ozzie Newsome, said of Jones when presenting him with the Super Bowl ring that during his home town performance in their biggest game of the year, his performance was surreal.
Jones played for the Houston Texans for his initial five years in the NFL. However, Jones twice fumbled the ball during a playoff game with the Ravens, leading to his release in 2011. The Ravens picked him up as a free agent, where he quickly became a fan favorite and energized the team’s offense.
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