Baltimore, Maryland (AP) – The longest touchdown in Super Bowl history, a 108-yard kickoff return in 2013 by former NFL receiver Jacoby Jones, has passed away. He was forty years old.
Jones played for the Houston Texans for the first five seasons of his career; the team announced his passing on Sunday. His family confirmed he passed away at home in New Orleans, according to a statement issued by the NFL Players Association. No reason for the death was stated.
Jones was a player for the Texans, Baltimore Ravens, San Diego Chargers, and Pittsburgh Steelers from 2007 to 2015. During the Ravens’ most recent Super Bowl championship season, he had multiple big plays.
Jones played a significant role in Baltimore’s “Mile High Miracle” during a January 2013 playoff game at Denver. In order to tie the game with 31 seconds left in the fourth quarter, he caught a 70-yard touchdown pass. In the end, the Ravens prevailed in double overtime.
Jones was born and raised in New Orleans, where that Super Bowl was held.
“My greatest football play came right before a late-game kickoff return against the Vikings in a snowstorm shootout, when Jacoby was having a conversation with his mother in the end zone. Then, according to a statement from Ravens coach John Harbaugh, Jacoby ran to receive the ball and run it back for a score. “Every time I saw Jacoby’s happy, smiling face, it was my favorite personal moment with him.”
In 2012, Jones was selected to The Associated Press All-Pro team as a kick returner. He had an appearance on “Dancing with the Stars” shortly after that.
Former Texans pass-rushing standout J.J. Watt posted on social media, saying, “Jacoby was one of the most fun-loving teammates and people I’ve ever been around.” “Always grinning and dancing, and wearing a constant smile. Far, far too quickly gone.
Jones took over as head coach of the Texas arena football team Beaumont Renegades in April.
The Renegades said in a statement, “What can be said about him as a football player is only scratching the surface of who he was as a man.” “He was there for you when you needed him.” He answered the phone when you called. It made no difference if you were a personal friend, part of his family, a player he coached, etc.
Jones scored two scores in the 34-31 Super Bowl victory: a 56-yard pass from quarterback Joe Flacco and a 108-yard kickoff return.
“I cherished Jacoby Jones.” John Harbaugh, the head coach of the Ravens, stated in a statement, “We all did.” “His passion, compassion, and energy for people were really contagious. He was a source of light. He was the beloved son of Ms. Emily, his devoted mother. They were really near. He was an observant man.
Neither NFL franchise disclosed the cause of death.
“My greatest football play came right before a late-game kickoff return against the Vikings in a snowstorm shootout, when Jacoby was having a conversation with his mother in the end zone. After then, Jacoby ran to grab the ball and return it for a score.
