Super Bowl champion and former Baltimore Ravens star Jacoby Jones has died at the age of 40.
Tributes have poured in for the former wide receiver, who went on wider fame in Dancing with the Stars, after the news was first reported by the Baltimore Sun.
No cause of death has yet been announced, and the news left NFL fans and his former teammates stunned.
Taking to X, JJ Watt wrote: ‘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.’
Pat McAfee added: ‘Jacoby Jones was an absolute legend. He was beloved by literally everybody he met and lit up every room he walked into.’
Torrey Smith, who won the Super Bowl with Jones in 2013, said: ‘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! Love you bro!’
It has been reported that Jones died overnight at his home in Houston, just three days after his 40th birthday. He is survived by one teenage son, named Coby.
News of his death was confirmed shortly before midday, when the NFL tweeted: ‘The NFL is heartbroken to hear of the passing of Super Bowl champion Jacoby Jones. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.’
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh also released a statement, which read: ‘I loved Jacoby Jones. We all did. His spirit, enthusiasm and love for people were powerful. He was a light. He was the cherished son of his loving mom, Ms Emily. They were so close. He was a man of faith.
‘My favorite football play was when Jacoby was talking to his mom in the end zone, just before a late-game kickoff return against the Vikings in a snowstorm shootout. Jacoby then raced to catch the ball and run it back for a touchdown.
‘My favorite Jacoby personal moment was every time I saw his smiling face full of Joy. Rest in peace, Jacoby, in the arms of Jesus.’
Jones grew up in New Orleans – his house was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina – and he was drafted by the Houston Texans in 2007.
He went on to play five seasons in Houston, before moving on to Baltimore, where he won the Super Bowl in his first season.
The most memorable play of his career came in Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers, when he scored an NFL-record 108-yard kick return for a touchdown.
On the same night, he became the first player in Super Bowl history to score a receiving touchdown and a returning touchdown in the same game.
Jones went on to play for the San Diego Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers, before finishing his career in 2017 with Monterrey Steel of the National Arena League.
He later became a fan favorite outside of the world of football when he came third in season 16 of Dancing With The Stars, alongside partner Karina Smirnoff.
Jones later turned to coaching when he was named wide receivers coach at his alma mater Lane College, before he switched to Calvert Hall College High School in 2020.
Most recently, he was on the coaching staff at Alabama State University.
