Former President Donald Trump is safe following an attempted assassination on Saturday.
In other news, former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver and kick return specialist Jacoby Jones has passed away at the age of 40. The Baltimore Ravens confirmed his death on Sunday. Jones died at his home in New Orleans, celebrating his birthday on July 11.
“We want to express our gratitude for all the kind thoughts and support during this challenging time,” the Jones family said in a statement through the NFL Players Association. “Your ongoing support and respect for our privacy mean a lot to us.”
In April, Jones was appointed head coach of the Beaumont Renegades, an indoor football team. He also had a stint coaching football at Morgan State in Baltimore.
“We are saddened to bring you the news that Head Coach Jacoby Jones has passed away,” the Beaumont Renegades stated. “He meant so much to us and was loved by all. Jacoby was a remarkable football player who cherished every moment on the field. However, his qualities went beyond his athletic prowess.”
During his nine-season NFL career with Houston, Baltimore, San Diego, and Pittsburgh, Jones recorded 203 catches for 2,733 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also had 127 punt returns (averaging 13.5 yards per return) for four touchdowns and 183 kickoff returns (averaging 27 yards per return) for five touchdowns. In 2017, Jones signed a one-day contract with the Ravens to retire as a member of the team. He was honored by the Ravens before their AFC Divisional Game against the Houston Texans last January.
Jones had an unforgettable debut season with the Ravens in 2012, being named a Pro Bowl and All-Pro returner. In the AFC Divisional Round of the playoffs against the Denver Broncos, Jones caught a 70-yard touchdown pass with 31 seconds remaining in regulation to tie the game at 35-35, leading to a Ravens’ victory in the second overtime with a field goal by Justin Tucker.
Jones made history in Super Bowl XLVII by becoming the first player to score both a receiving touchdown and return a kickoff for a touchdown, leading the Ravens to a 34-31 victory over San Francisco. He caught a 56-yard touchdown pass from Joe Flacco and later opened the third quarter with a 108-yard kickoff return, the longest play in Super Bowl or postseason history.
The Baltimore Ravens expressed their grief in a statement, noting Jones’ lasting impact on and off the field. “We are completely heartbroken to learn about the passing of Jacoby Jones. Jacoby had the unique ability to connect with everyone he encountered. His charisma and love created a presence that could light up any room or brighten any dark day.”
“Jacoby will be remembered not just for his football success but for the personal connections he made with countless people in the Ravens organization, Baltimore community, and every area he called home. We share our deepest condolences with Jacoby’s family as we all begin to process this devastating loss.”
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh also shared his fond memories of Jones, including a touching moment between Jones and his mother during a game against the Minnesota Vikings. “I loved Jacoby Jones. We all did. His spirit, enthusiasm, and love for people were powerful,” Harbaugh said. “He was a light. He was the cherished son of his loving mom, Ms. Emily. 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.”