Off The Record
Former NFL Wide Receiver and Super Bowl Champion Died At 40
The tragic death of Jacoby Jones, just days after he celebrated a significant milestone, has stunned a lot of people.
Since then, he has received tributes from his coworkers and admirers, some of whom reminisce about all the things he was exceptional at. He received one of his career’s greatest honors prior to his passing.
The world lost a gifted football player on July 14, 2024, when Jacoby Jones passed away peacefully at home. The third-round draft pick from Lane College, who was 40, passed suddenly and unexpectedly over night. In a statement, his family confirmed the news.
According to his relatives, Jacoby passed away quietly 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 continued. Although the cause of death was not disclosed at the time, condolences have been flooding in.
Among the first people to grieve for Jacoby were his coworkers. The defensive end for the Texans, J.J. Watt, posted a photo of the late player on Instagram. He said, “Jacoby was one of the most fun-loving teammates and people I’ve ever been around.”
According to J.J., the deceased celebrity had a constant smile on his face and would laugh and dance all the time. He concluded by saying, “Gone far, far too soon,” and “R.I.P. Jacoby Jones.”
Additionally, Torrey Smith honored Jacoby on X with a number of old photos. Invoking the deceased athlete as his “brother,” he expressed gratitude to God for their shared experiences and the influence Jacoby had on society.
The late star, according to Torrey, was “1 of 1,” and his jokes and field plays will “live on forever!” In addition, he disclosed that they would care for Emily and Jacoby’s son indefinitely before acknowledging that his passing had affected him. Torrey said, “Jacoby will be missed,” before closing. It said, “ Love you bro!” at the bottom of the caption.
In a statement, the Baltimore Ravens said they were “completely heartbroken” to hear of Jacoby’s passing.
The sportsman was remembered by the team for having a “unique ability” to connect with everyone he encountered. His happiness, charm, and love gave him a “one-of-a-kind presence” that made gloomy days brighter.
The Ravens said that 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.
As his family began to comprehend the loss, the team sent them their condolences in an effort to support them. John Harbaugh, the head coach of the Ravens, also released a statement expressing how much he and the other players 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.
That day, John recalled, Jacoby was having a snowfall gunfight with his mother in the end zone, right before the late-game kickoff return. After running and catching the ball, he scored a touchdown!
However, John’s fondest memory of Jacoby was each time he saw the bright, smiling star. He prayed that the deceased athlete might be at peace in the arms of Jesus.
Ravens Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis included multiple pictures of his departed comrade with his X post. He referred to Jacoby as his brother and said that he would be missed, just like Torrey was.
“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.
Reposting a GIF of Jacoby dancing after scoring a goal, Pat McAfee called him “an absolute legend.” He affirmed that the athlete who “lit up every room/field” had been adored by everyone he had met. “Rest easy my brother..we will miss your presence,” he continued.
In addition, Robert Griffin III praised Jacoby with a photo of him and his Ravens colleagues having fun on the field. He prayed for the friend, family, and loved ones of the Super Bowl champion.
Robert referred to the athlete as a “Baltimore Ravens legend,” calling him a “triple threat” who was quick-witted, athletic, and able to dance. He added that Jacoby was taken from them too soon and that he would be missed.
The Houston Texans posted a black-and-white photo of the deceased athlete along with a statement expressing their “deep sadness” at his passing. The group offered his family their condolences and best wishes. On social media, Jacoby’s supporters also expressed their sorrow and sympathies.
Fans of Jacoby also wrote about him on social media. One parent, in particular, shared photos of the celebrity posing and talking with her two sons on X. Jacoby, ” RIP Jacoby Gone too soon. Got to see him interact with the youth and my sons and seemed like great guy,” she wrote.
J.J.’s article prompted a sports enthusiast to respond with a straightforward message: “Rest in peace.” In response to the same message, another X user wrote, ” I’m shocked! He’ll be missed by all football fans.” Another netizen replied, “3 days after turning 40?! Inconceivable!”
Jacoby began serving as Lane College’s wide receivers coach in 2018. Before leaving, he coached the tight ends at Morgan State and the receivers at Baltimore’s Calvert Hall High School. He was brought on as Alabama State’s receivers coach in 2022.
He may also be remembered by some for his partnership with Karina Smirnoff during his time as a contestant on “Dancing with the Stars.” He was talented in dancing, as some of his coworkers said, and made it to the competition finals before finishing in third place.
Jacoby recently earned recognition, which coincides with his demise. He was inducted into the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Hall of Fame on July 10, one day before he turned forty.
Aside from this, he is a Hall of Famer at Marion Abramson, his New Orleans high school, and in the Hall of Fame at his alma institution.
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