Jacoby Jones, the previous NFL large receiver and particular groups ace, has died on the age of 40. No explanation for loss of life was instantly introduced.
“We’re utterly heartbroken to be taught in regards to the passing of Jacoby Jones,” the Ravens stated in an announcement on Sunday. “Jacoby had the distinctive means to attach with everybody he encountered. His charisma, pleasure and love created a one-of-a-kind presence that would gentle up any room or brighten any darkish day.”
Jones sealed his place in Baltimore and NFL historical past by grabbing a rainbow shot from Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, dubbed the “Mile Excessive Miracle”, through the group’s run to Tremendous Bowl XLVII.
Together with his group going through a third-and-30, Jones reeled in a game-tying 70-yard landing move from Flacco with 31 seconds remaining within the fourth quarter of Baltimore’s AFC divisional playoff recreation towards the host Denver Broncos. The Ravens finally gained in double additional time.
11 years in the past immediately, Joe Flacco and Jacoby Jones related for an unbelievable 70-yard landing now referred to as the “Mile Excessive Miracle” within the Divisional Spherical to tie up the sport with below 1 minute left
The Ravens would go on to defeat the Broncos in 2OT pic.twitter.com/G0MXrkbRqN
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) January 12, 2024
Three weeks later, Jones had a 56-yard landing catch within the second quarter of the Tremendous Bowl and added a 108-yard kickoff return for a landing towards the 49ers. The latter stands because the longest return in postseason historical past. Making the reminiscence all of the sweeter, the Louisiana native’s efficiency got here on the Superdome in New Orleans.
“Within the largest recreation, on the most important stage, he had his greatest recreation in his house city,” former Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome stated when inducting Jones into the group’s Ring of Honor. “That’s surreal.”
Jones performed the primary 5 years of his profession with the Houston Texans, however was launched after fumbling twice in a playoff loss to the Ravens in January 2011.
After becoming a member of the Ravens as a free agent, Jones immediately grew to become a sparkplug for the group’s offense and a fan favourite. He scored 4 touchdowns through the 2012 common season and added three extra scores within the playoffs – all of them in sensational style.
An All-Professional returner and Professional Bowl choice in 2012, Jones had 203 catches for two,733 yards and 14 touchdowns in 128 profession video games (33 begins) with the Houston Texans (2007-11), Ravens (2012-14), Pittsburgh Steelers (2015) and the San Diego Chargers (2015).
Jones signed a one-day contract to retire with the Ravens in 2017. Extra not too long ago, he served because the receivers coach at Alabama State.
“I beloved Jacoby Jones. All of us did,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh stated in an announcement. “His spirit, enthusiasm and love for folks had been highly effective. He was a lightweight. My favourite Jacoby private second was each time I noticed his smiling face stuffed with pleasure.”