Former NFL receiver Jacoby Jones, renowned for his 108-yard kickoff return in 2013—the longest touchdown in Super Bowl history—has passed away at the age of 40.
The Houston Texans, where Jones spent the first five seasons of his career, announced his death on Sunday. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
Jones played in the NFL from 2007 to 2015, representing the Texans, Baltimore Ravens, San Diego Chargers, and Pittsburgh Steelers. He was instrumental in several key plays for the Ravens during their most recent Super Bowl-winning season.
Jones played a crucial role in Baltimore’s “Mile High Miracle” during a playoff game in Denver in January 2013. He caught a 70-yard touchdown pass with 31 seconds left in the fourth quarter, tying the score and leading to a Ravens victory in double overtime.
In the Super Bowl that postseason against the San Francisco 49ers, Jones caught a 56-yard touchdown pass from eventual game MVP Joe Flacco. He then made a 108-yard kickoff return to open the second half, propelling Baltimore to a 28-6 lead. The Ravens eventually secured a 34-31 win.
The Super Bowl was held in New Orleans, where Jones grew up.
“My favorite football play was when Jacoby was talking to his mom in the end zone, just before a late-game kickoff return against the Vikings in a snowstorm shootout. Jacoby then raced to catch the ball and run it back for a touchdown,” said Ravens coach John Harbaugh in a statement. “My favorite Jacoby personal moment was every time I saw his smiling face full of joy.”
Jones was named to The Associated Press All-Pro team as a kick returner for the 2012 season. Shortly after, he appeared on “Dancing With The Stars.”
“Jacoby was one of the most fun-loving teammates and people I’ve ever been around,” former Texans star J.J. Watt shared on social media. “Always dancing and laughing, with a permanent smile on his face. Gone far, far too soon.”