Former NFL wide receiver and special teams ace Jacoby Jones has died at the age of 40.
“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Jacoby Jones,” the Ravens said in a statement Sunday. “Jacoby had a unique ability to connect with everyone he met. His charisma , joy and love create a unique presence that can brighten any room or brighten any dark day.
During the Ravens’ run to Super Bowl 47, Jones’ catch on a rainbow field goal from Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco became known as the “mile-high miracle,” cementing his legacy in Baltimore and place in NFL history.
With 31 seconds left in the fourth quarter of Baltimore’s AFC divisional playoff game against the host Denver Broncos, Jones caught Foley as his team faced third-and-30. Coe’s 70-yard touchdown pass tied the game. The Ravens won in two overtimes.
11 years ago today, Joe Flacco and Jacoby Jones combined for an incredible 70-yard touchdown in the divisional round, now known as the “Mile High Miracle” ”, tying the game with less than 1 minute left.
Ravens will beat Broncos in 2nd overtime pic.twitter.com/G0MXrkbRqN
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) January 12, 2024
Three weeks later, Jones caught a touchdown pass for 56 yards in the second quarter of the Super Bowl and had a touchdown catch of 108 yards against the 49ers. The latter is the longest return in postseason history. The Louisiana native’s performance at the Superdome in New Orleans made the memory even sweeter.
“In the biggest games, on the biggest stages, he played his best games in his hometown,” former Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said when inducting Jones into the team’s Ring of Honor. “It’s so surreal.”
Jones spent the first five years of his career with the Houston Texans but was fired after two fumbles in a January 2011 playoff loss to the Ravens.
After joining the Ravens as a free agent, Jones immediately became the spark of the team’s offense and a fan favorite. He scored four touchdowns in the 2012 regular season and three more in the playoffs – all of which were impressive.
Jones was named to the 2012 Pro Bowl All-Star team and has 203 catches for 2,733 yards and 14 touchdowns in 128 career games (33 starts), including with the Houston Texans (2007-11) , Ravens (2012-14), Pittsburgh Steelers (2015) and San Diego Chargers (2015).
Jones retired in 2017 on a one-day contract with the Ravens.
“I love Jacoby Jones. We all do it,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. “His spirit, enthusiasm and love for people were powerful. He was a light. My favorite personal moment for Jacoby was every time I saw his smiling face filled with joy.
