Former NFL wide receiver Jacoby Jones, a standout for the Texans and Ravens, has died at age 40

Former NFL wide receiver Jacoby Jones, a Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion with the Baltimore Ravens, died Saturday night at his home in the Houston area, according to multiple reports. Jones, who celebrated his birthday on July 11, had just turned 40. The cause of death was not immediately clear.

The NFL Players Association released a statement on behalf of the Jones family Sunday afternoon confirming that Jones “passed away peacefully at his home in New Orleans, Louisiana.” Jones was born and raised in New Orleans before attending Lane College in Tennessee.

In the statement, the NFLPA expressed its sadness at the loss of the late curator and said the Jones family, including his mother and son, are together at this time.

The owner of the Beaumont Renegades, an indoor soccer league that hired Jones as its first head coach in April, also confirmed the former receiver’s death Sunday. Sam Gordon called Jones “the most humble and kind person to everybody” in a phone interview with KPRC 2 Houston on Sunday morning.

Jones played nine seasons in the NFL, playing his first five seasons with the Houston Texans before signing with the Ravens in 2012. Jones had an outstanding season in his first year in Baltimore. He was named First Team All-Pro and went to the Pro Bowl during the Ravens’ championship season in 2012.

During Baltimore’s buildup to Super Bowl XLVII victory, Jones caught what is now known as the “Mile High Miracle,” a 70-yard touchdown from quarterback Joe Flacco in the final minute of the AFC divisional game against the Denver Broncos. The touchdown forced the game into double overtime, where a game-winning touchdown sent the Ravens to the AFC championship game. Jones went on to score two touchdowns, including a 108-yard kick return, during the Super Bowl to give Baltimore a 34–31 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.

The Ravens posted a tribute to the late receiver on Sunday, writing in a statement that “Jacoby had the unique ability to connect with everyone he encountered. His charisma, joy and love created a one-of-a-kind presence that could light up any room or brighten any dark day.”

The Ravens also included a statement from head coach John Harbaugh, who coached Jones during his three years in Baltimore. “His spirit, enthusiasm and love for people were powerful. He was a light,” Harbaugh wrote.

The Texans also paid tribute to Jones and offered their thoughts and prayers to his family.

Several of Jones’ former teammates paid tribute to Jones on social media, including Texans legend JJ Watt and former Ravens teammates Ray Lewis and Anquan Boldin, as well as wide receiver Torrey Smith, who played with Jones in Baltimore, and quarterback Matt Leinart, who played with Jones for two seasons in Houston.

Current Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson also honored Jones in a message.

Like Maryland Governor Wes Moore and others:

Jones remained with the Ravens for three seasons before finishing his career with brief stints with the San Diego Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers. In September 2017, Jones signed a one-day contract with Baltimore, officially retiring as a Raven.