Former Lane College wide receiver and Super Bowl champion Jacoby Jones has passed away just three days after his 40th birthday.
Former McNeese State quarterback James Tabary first tweeted about Jones’ passing, which the Baltimore Sun later confirmed.
Several of Jones’ former teammates and NFL alumni, such as All-Pro defensive lineman J.J. Watt and fellow Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith, have shared tributes to the former HBCU wideout.
My brother! I thank God for the memories and your impact on this world. You were 1 of 1 ! Your play on the field and jokes will live on forever! We have Momma Jones a Lil Coby’s back for life! This one hurt me man! We are going to miss you!
Love you bro! pic.twitter.com/r9MZKU4sqb
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) July 14, 2024
Jacoby was one of the most fun-loving teammates and people I’ve ever been around. Always dancing and laughing, with a permanent smile on his face.
Gone far, far too soon.
R.I.P Jacoby Jones.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 14, 2024
After a season at Southeastern Louisiana, Jones transferred to Lane College, where he spent his final three collegiate seasons as a return specialist. There, he was named to three All-SIAC teams.
He then entered the 2007 NFL Draft, where the Houston Texans selected him in the third round. This made him the first (and to date, only) player to ever be drafted out of Lane College.
Jones played nine seasons in the NFL with the Texans, Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, and San Diego Chargers.
His best season in the pros came in his first season with the Ravens in 2012 when he was named to his only career Pro Bowl and All-Pro First Team.
He finished the year with 1,920 all-purpose yards and a league-leading two kick return touchdowns, going on to win Super Bowl 47 against the San Francisco 49ers.
Jones put his stamp on the game at the start of the second half, taking the opening kickoff 108 yards for a touchdown.
After retirement, Jones entered the coaching ranks, taking a job as a wide receivers coach at his alma mater in 2018. He then moved on to Morgan State, spending a season there as a tight ends coach, and most recently, he spent the past two years as a wide receivers coach at Alabama State.
