Many people are shocked by the news of Jacoby Jones’ unexpected demise days after he celebrated a big milestone. His colleagues and fans have since sent tributes to him, with some recalling all the things he was good at. Before he passed, he got one of the highest honors of his career.

On July 14, 2024, the world lost a talented football player when Jacoby Jones died at home while sleeping. The Lane College third-round draft pick was 40 when he passed away overnight. His family confirmed the news in a statement.

Jacoby Jones of the Baltimore Ravens dances before a game at M&T Bank Stadium on December 28, 2014, in Baltimore, Maryland | Source: Getty Images
Jacoby Jones of the Baltimore Ravens dances before a game at M&T Bank Stadium on December 28, 2014, in Baltimore, Maryland | Source: Getty Images

Jacoby’s family said he died peacefully in New Orleans, Louisiana. “The family, including his mother, Emily, and his son, little Jacoby, are together and are asking for your prayers, privacy and support as they navigate through this difficult time,” the statement read. No cause of death was revealed at the time, but tributes have been pouring in.

Jacoby Jones waves to the fans after the Big 12 Red River Showdown game on October 12, 2019, in Dallas, Texas | Source: Getty Images
Jacoby Jones waves to the fans after the Big 12 Red River Showdown game on October 12, 2019, in Dallas, Texas | Source: Getty Images

Jacoby’s colleagues were among the first to mourn him. J.J. Watt, the Texans’ football defensive end, took to X to share a picture of the late athlete in action. He recalled, “Jacoby was one of the most fun-loving teammates and people I’ve ever been around.”
J.J. said the late star was always laughing and dancing, and his smile was permanently on his face. “Gone far, far too soon,” he added before signing off with “R.I.P Jacoby Jones.”

Torrey Smith also honored Jacoby with several throwback pictures on X. He called the late athlete his “brother,” thanking God for the memories they made and the impact Jacoby had on the world.

Torrey described the late star as “1 of 1,” noting how his field plays and jokes will “live on forever!” He also shared that they would be looking after Emily and Jacoby’s son forever before confessing that his death hurt him. Torrey concluded by saying Jacoby will be missed. “Love you bro!” read the end of his caption.

The Baltimore Ravens also released a statement saying they were “completely heartbroken” upon learning about Jacoby’s death.

The team recalled how the athlete had the “unique ability” to connect with all those he came across. His joy, charisma, and love created a “one-of-a-kind presence” that lit up rooms and brightened dark days.

The Ravens said long after he’s gone, Jacoby will be remembered for his successful career on the football field. But his lasting connections made in the Baltimore community, in the Ravens, and in the places he called home will also live on.

The team offered support to his family by sharing their condolences with them as they all started processing the loss. The Ravens’ head coach, John Harbaugh, also gave a statement noting how he and all the others had “loved” Jacoby.

John Harbaugh speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 27, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana | Source: Getty Images
John Harbaugh speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 27, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana | Source: Getty Images

They loved his powerful enthusiasm, spirit, and the love he had for people. John described him as a light and the “cherished son” of his mother, whom the “man of faith” was very close to. The head coach even recalled one of his favorite football plays by the late athlete.

John remembered that on that day, just before the late-game kickoff return, Jacoby was in the end zone talking to his mother in a snowstorm shootout. He managed to run, catch the ball, and score a touchdown!
Jacoby Jones signs autographs for fans on December 3, 2017, at M&T Bank Stadium, in Baltimore, Maryland | Source: Getty Images
Jacoby Jones signs autographs for fans on December 3, 2017, at M&T Bank Stadium, in Baltimore, Maryland | Source: Getty Images

But John’s personal favorite moment of Jacoby was every time he saw the star smiling and happy. He hoped the late athlete would rest in peace in Jesus’ arms.

Ray Lewis, the Ravens Hall of Fame linebacker, also accompanied his X post with several photos of his late colleague. Just like Torrey, he called Jacoby his brother and revealed that he would be missed.

“They can’t take the memories and the hard work you put in on and off the football field. You always gave back and always a pillar in the community, a @Ravens for life,” Ray further expressed.

Sharing a GIF of Jacoby scoring a goal and celebrating with a dance, Pat McAfee described him as “an absolute legend.” He confirmed that everyone he met had loved the athlete who “lit up every room/field.” “Rest easy my brother..we will miss your presence,” he added.

Robert Griffin III also honored Jacoby with a picture of him celebrating on the field with his Ravens teammates. He sent prayers to the Super Bowl Champion’s friends, family, and loved ones.

Calling the athlete a “Baltimore Ravens Legend,” Robert described him as a “triple threat,” who was fast, funny, and could dance. He also noted how Jacoby will be missed and that he was taken from them too soon.

Sharing a black-and-white image of the late athlete, the Houston Texans said they were “deeply saddened” to hear about his death. The team sent their thoughts and prayers to his family. Jacoby’s fans also shared their condolences and grief on social media.

Jacoby’s fans also posted about him, with one parent sharing pictures on X of the star posing and interacting with her two sons. “RIP Jacoby Gone too soon. Got to see him interact with the youth and my sons and seemed like great guy,” she wrote.

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Meanwhile, a sports fan who read J.J.’s post had a simple response: “Rest in peace.” Another X user responded to the same post writing, “I’m shocked! He’ll be missed by all football fans.” Another netizen replied, “3 days after turning 40?! Inconceivable!”

Jacoby Jones at the ESPY Awards on July 17, 2013, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Jacoby Jones at the ESPY Awards on July 17, 2013, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

In 2018, Jacoby started working as the wide receivers coach at Lane College. He coached Morgan State’s tight ends and Calvert Hall High School’s receivers in Baltimore before moving on. In 2022, he was hired as Alabama State’s receivers coach.
Some people might also recall him partnering with Karina Smirnoff when he competed in “Dancing with the Stars.” As some of his colleagues mentioned, he was good at dancing and reached the finals of the competition before nabbing third place.

Karina Smirnoff and Jacoby Jones on season 16 of "Dancing With the Stars" on May 20, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
Karina Smirnoff and Jacoby Jones on season 16 of “Dancing With the Stars” on May 20, 2013 | Source: Getty Images

Jacoby’s death comes on the heels of a recognition he had just received. On July 10, a day before he celebrated his 40th birthday, he was inducted into the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Hall of Fame.

Apart from this, he is also in his alma mater’s Hall of Fame and a Hall of Famer at Marion Abramson, his high school in New Orleans.