The tragic death of Jacoby Jones, just days after he celebrated a significant milestone, has stunned many.
Since then, he has received tributes from his coworkers and admirers, who reflect on his exceptional qualities. He received one of his career’s greatest honors prior to his passing.
The world lost a gifted football player on July 14, 2024, when Jacoby Jones passed away peacefully at home. The third-round draft pick from Lane College, who was 40, passed suddenly and unexpectedly overnight. In a statement, his family confirmed the news.
According to his relatives, Jacoby passed away quietly 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 continued. Although the cause of death was not disclosed at the time, condolences have been flooding in.
Among the first to grieve for Jacoby were his coworkers. The defensive end for the Texans, J.J. Watt, posted a photo of the late player on Instagram. He said, “Jacoby was one of the most fun-loving teammates and people I’ve ever been around.”
According to J.J., the deceased celebrity had a constant smile on his face and would laugh and dance all the time. He concluded by saying, “Gone far, far too soon,” and “R.I.P. Jacoby Jones.”
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
Torrey Smith also honored Jacoby on X with a number of old photos. Speaking of the deceased athlete as his “brother,” he expressed gratitude for their shared experiences and the influence Jacoby had on society.
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 and Lil Coby’s back for life! This one hurt me, man! We are going to miss you!
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) July 14, 2024
The late star, according to Torrey, was “1 of 1,” and his jokes and field plays will “live on forever!” He also stated that they would care for Emily and Jacoby’s son indefinitely, acknowledging that his passing had affected him. Torrey said, “Jacoby will be missed. Love you, bro!”
In a statement, the Baltimore Ravens said they were “completely heartbroken” to hear of Jacoby’s passing.
The team remembered him for his “unique ability” to connect with everyone he encountered. His happiness, charm, and love gave him a “one-of-a-kind presence” that made gloomy days brighter.
The Ravens said that long after he’s gone, Jacoby will be remembered for his successful football career. But his lasting connections made in the Baltimore community, in the Ravens, and in the places he called home will also live on.
As his family began to comprehend the loss, the team sent them their condolences in an effort to support them. John Harbaugh, the head coach of the Ravens, also released a statement expressing how much he and the other players had “loved” Jacoby.
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 recalled a day when Jacoby was having a snowball fight with his mother in the end zone, right before the late-game kickoff return. After running and catching the ball, he scored a touchdown!
However, John’s fondest memory of Jacoby was each time he saw the bright, smiling star. He prayed that the deceased athlete might be at peace in the arms of Jesus.
Ravens Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis included multiple pictures of his departed comrade with his X post. He referred to Jacoby as his brother and, like Torrey, said that he would be missed dearly.
“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.
My brother, you will truly 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 . Love ya JJ#RL52 #Ray #Lewis #52 #JacobyJones12 #Jacoby #Jones #12…
— Ray Lewis (@raylewis) July 14, 2024
Reposting a GIF of Jacoby dancing after scoring a goal, Pat McAfee called him “an absolute legend.” He affirmed that the athlete who “lit up every room/field” had been adored by everyone he had met. “Rest easy my brother..we will miss your presence,” he continued.
Jacoby Jones was an absolute legend.. he was beloved by literally everybody he met and lit up every room/field he walked into/onto.
Rest easy my brother.. we will miss your presence. pic.twitter.com/mq878eSH7Y
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) July 14, 2024
In addition, Robert Griffin III praised Jacoby with a photo of him and his Ravens colleagues having fun on the field. He prayed for the friend, family, and loved ones of the Super Bowl champion.
Prayers up for the family, friends and loved ones of Baltimore Ravens Legend and Super Bowl Champion Jacoby Jones who passed away at the age of 40. He was a triple threat. Funny, fast and could dance. He will be missed and was taken from us way too soon. pic.twitter.com/ndBGXhwFCS
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) July 14, 2024
Robert referred to the athlete as a “Baltimore Ravens legend,” calling him a “triple threat” who was quick-witted, athletic, and able to dance. He added that Jacoby was taken from them too soon and that he would be missed.
The Houston Texans posted a black-and-white photo of the deceased athlete along with a statement expressing their “deep sadness” at his passing. The group offered his family their condolences and best wishes. On social media, Jacoby’s supporters also expressed their sorrow and sympathies.
We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Jacoby Jones. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/Ny4UBLMwdb
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) July 14, 2024
Fans of Jacoby also wrote about him on social media. One parent, in particular, shared photos of the celebrity posing and talking with her two sons on X. She wrote, “RIP Jacoby Gone too soon. Got to see him interact with the youth and my sons and seemed like great guy.”
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.
pic.twitter.com/7r2aIJrb13
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 14, 2024
J.J.’s article prompted a sports enthusiast to respond with a straightforward message: “Rest in peace.” Another X user wrote, “I’m shocked! He’ll be missed by all football fans.” Another netizen replied, “3 days after turning 40?! Inconceivable!”
Jacoby began serving as Lane College’s wide receivers coach in 2018. Before leaving, he coached the tight ends at Morgan State and the receivers at Baltimore’s Calvert Hall High School. He was brought on as Alabama State’s receivers coach in 2022.
Some may also remember him for his time as a contestant on “Dancing with the Stars,” where he partnered with Karina Smirnoff. Jacoby’s dancing talent shone brightly, and he reached the competition finals, finishing in third place.
Jacoby recently earned recognition, which coincides with his demise. He was inducted into the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Hall of Fame on July 10, one day before he turned forty.
Aside from this, he is a Hall of Famer at Marion Abramson, his New Orleans high school, and in the Hall of Fame at his alma mater.
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