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Jacoby Jones
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Jacoby Rashi'd Jones (July 11, 1984 – July 14, 2024) was an American professional football player who was a wide receiver and return specialist in the National Football League (NFL). Selected in the third round of the 2007 NFL draft by the Houston Texans, Jones also played with the Baltimore Ravens, San Diego Chargers, and Pittsburgh Steelers before playing with the Monterrey Steel of the National Arena League in 2017.
Key Information
Jones played college football for the Lane College Dragons before playing for the Texans from 2007 to 2011. Jones then played for the Ravens from 2012 to 2014, and was selected for the Pro Bowl in 2012. He was known for two of the most memorable plays in the 2012 NFL playoffs as a member of the Ravens: catching a 70-yard game-tying touchdown pass in the final seconds of regulation in the AFC Divisional playoff game against the Denver Broncos, which helped lead the Ravens to an eventual 38–35 double overtime victory; and a 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers, the longest play in Super Bowl history, and tied for the longest kickoff return in NFL history at the time[1] At the time of his death he was the wide receivers coach at Alabama State University.
Early life
[edit]Jones lived in New Orleans East.[2] Jones attended St. Augustine High School and Marion Abramson High School in New Orleans, Louisiana. As a second-year student (junior) at St. Augustine he learned that the school considered him too small to play on the football team. Allen Woods, his godfather and the assistant principal of Abramson, advised him to transfer to that school.[3] His childhood house and high school were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.[2]
College career
[edit]Jones originally enrolled on a track scholarship at Southeastern Louisiana University in 2002, but transferred to the Division II school Lane College in 2003.[4] At Lane College, Jones became a four-time All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) selection.[5] Jones was a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity.[6]
In 2024, he was inducted to the SIAC Hall of Fame in Atlanta.[7][8]
Professional career
[edit]| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft 2+5⁄8 in (1.90 m) |
210 lb (95 kg) |
34+1⁄4 in (0.87 m) |
8+1⁄8 in (0.21 m) |
4.53 s | 1.65 s | 2.66 s | 4.31 s | 7.03 s | 34.0 in (0.86 m) |
10 ft 9 in (3.28 m) | ||
| All values from NFL Combine[9][10][11] | ||||||||||||
Houston Texans
[edit]
Jones was drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round (73rd overall) of the 2007 NFL draft.[12] For his first-career touchdown, he returned a punt for a 70-yard score against Miami in week 6 of the 2008 season.[13] Jones continued to contribute as both a receiver and a returner for the Texans. At the end of the 2009 regular season, he was named as an alternate kick returner for the AFC squad to the 2010 Pro Bowl.[14] In the 2010 season, Jones caught five passes for 115 yards in Week 16 at Denver, recording his first 100-yard game in the NFL.[15]
On January 15, 2012, early in the 2011 AFC Divisional Playoff game, Jones muffed a punt, when he was rushed by Cary Williams and the ball was recovered inside the Texans 5-yard line by Jimmy Smith, in a play that contributed to the Texans' elimination by the Baltimore Ravens.[16] Jones was subsequently released by the Texans on May 1, 2012.[17]
In his 5 seasons with Houston, he caught 127 passes for 2,733 yards and 14 touchdowns, making an impact as a return specialist, returning kickoffs and punts for four total touchdowns.[18]
Baltimore Ravens
[edit]
On May 8, 2012, Jones signed a two-year, $7 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens.[19]
On October 14, 2012, Jones returned a kickoff for 108 yards and a touchdown in a win against the Dallas Cowboys, tying an NFL record for longest kick return.[20] On November 11, 2012, Jones returned a kick-off for 105 yards in the Ravens' 55–20 win over Oakland Raiders, becoming the first player to return two kicks for 105 yards or more in a season.[21] On November 18, 2012, in a division game against the rival Pittsburgh Steelers, Jones returned a punt 63 yards for a touchdown, helping the Ravens win the game 13–10.[22] It was the first time the Ravens returned a punt for a touchdown against the Steelers.[23]

Jones was named to his first Pro Bowl as a kick returner for the AFC roster and was selected for the 2012 All-Pro team.[24] His stellar play would continue in the playoffs. On January 12, 2013, in the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Denver Broncos, the Ravens were down 35–28 and had one last chance to tie the game. On 3rd down and 3 from the Ravens own 30-yard line, Jones caught a 70-yard touchdown pass from Joe Flacco with 31 seconds left. The play, dubbed the "Mile High Miracle", tied the game at 35 and preceded a 38–35 double overtime win for the Ravens.[25]
| External videos | |
|---|---|
In Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers, Jones became the first player to score a receiving touchdown and return touchdown in the same game in Super Bowl history. With under two minutes to play in the second quarter, Jones hauled in a 56-yard pass from Joe Flacco, eluding two defenders to score a touchdown. Jones then returned the opening kickoff of the second half for a 108-yard touchdown for the longest play in Super Bowl or postseason history. The Ravens won the game by a score of 34–31, earning Jones his first Super Bowl ring.[26] Jones was then the feature player on the cover of the Super Bowl XLVII edition of Sports Illustrated.[27]
During the 2013 regular season, Jones was injured in the Kickoff game in Week 1 when teammate Brynden Trawick ran into him during a punt return.[28] Jones would not return until Week 6 against the Green Bay Packers, where he had his first receiving touchdown of the season.[29] In Week 13, on Thanksgiving against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jones returned a kickoff that would seemingly go for a touchdown, however Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin disrupted his route by "unknowingly" standing on the field while looking at the big screen in M&T Bank Stadium.[30] The Ravens would later win by a score of 22–20.[31] The next week, in a snowy game against the Minnesota Vikings, Jones returned a kickoff 77 yards for a touchdown in the final two minutes. The Vikings would then answer with another touchdown with 45 seconds remaining, until teammate, Marlon Brown, scored the game-winning touchdown with 4 seconds remaining, allowing the Ravens to win the game 29–26.[32] In week 15, the Ravens played the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football. On a crucial 3rd & 15 with two minutes left in regulation, Jones caught a pass from quarterback Joe Flacco that was good for the first down. Shortly after that, second year kicker Justin Tucker kicked a career-high and team record field goal from 61 yards for the 18–16 win.[33] That record was later broken by Tucker in a game against the Detroit Lions in 2021.[34] Jones had 6 receptions for 80 yards that game.[35]

After testing the free agent market, on March 12, 2014, Jones decided to remain with the Baltimore Ravens and agreed to a four-year, $12 million contract with $4.5 million guaranteed.[36]
Jones saw diminished productivity for the 2014 season and was released from the Baltimore Ravens on February 25, 2015. He was due $2.5 million for the 2015 season.[37]
San Diego Chargers
[edit]On March 6, 2015, Jones signed with the San Diego Chargers.[38][39] The contract was for 2-years, $5.5 million with $1.6 million guaranteed and a $1.6 million signing bonus. He was released on November 3 after the Week 8 match-up against the Ravens.[40]
Pittsburgh Steelers
[edit]Jones was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 5, 2015.[41] Jones wore number 13, since his normal number 12 was unofficially retired for Terry Bradshaw. After fumbling twice against the Indianapolis Colts, Jones was demoted to backup kick returner and third-string punt returner on the depth chart.[42] He was released on January 1, 2016.[43]
In four games with the Steelers, Jones had 6 punt returns for 19 yards and 9 kick returns for 220 yards.[44]
Monterrey Steel
[edit]On March 13, 2017, Jones signed with the Monterrey Steel of the National Arena League (NAL).[45] He played in 8 games for the Steel, catching 19 passes for 169 yards and 1 touchdown. He also returned 2 field goals for 71 yards and 1 touchdown while also returning 12 kicks for 223 yards.[46]
Retirement
[edit]On September 29, 2017, Jones signed a one-day contract with the Ravens so he could retire as a member of the team.[47][48]
NFL career statistics
[edit]| Legend | |
|---|---|
| Won the Super Bowl | |
| Led the league | |
| Bold | Career high |
- Regular season
| Year | Team | GP | Receiving | Punt return | Kick return | Fumbles | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | FD | Ret | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | FC | Ret | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | FC | Fum | Lost | |||
| 2007 | HOU | 14 | 15 | 149 | 9.9 | 26 | 0 | 9 | 30 | 286 | 9.5 | 74 | 0 | 7 | 4 | 78 | 19.5 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| 2008 | HOU | 16 | 3 | 81 | 27.0 | 45 | 0 | 2 | 32 | 386 | 12.1 | 73 | 2 | 17 | 13 | 280 | 21.5 | 30 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 |
| 2009 | HOU | 14 | 27 | 437 | 16.2 | 45 | 6 | 19 | 39 | 426 | 10.9 | 62 | 0 | 14 | 24 | 638 | 26.6 | 95 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2010 | HOU | 15 | 51 | 562 | 11.0 | 47 | 3 | 31 | 29 | 204 | 7.0 | 39 | 0 | 15 | 23 | 494 | 21.5 | 35 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2011 | HOU | 16 | 31 | 512 | 16.5 | 80 | 2 | 23 | 49 | 518 | 10.6 | 79 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 | BAL | 16 | 30 | 406 | 13.5 | 47 | 1 | 16 | 37 | 341 | 9.2 | 63 | 1 | 16 | 38 | 1,167 | 30.7 | 108 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2013 | BAL | 12 | 37 | 455 | 12.3 | 66 | 2 | 21 | 19 | 237 | 12.5 | 37 | 0 | 2 | 31 | 892 | 28.8 | 77 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | BAL | 16 | 9 | 131 | 14.6 | 31 | 0 | 6 | 30 | 275 | 9.2 | 45 | 0 | 17 | 32 | 978 | 30.6 | 108 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 |
| 2015 | SD | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | −4 | -0.8 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 193 | 21.4 | 30 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| PIT | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 19 | 3.2 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 220 | 24.4 | 36 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | |
| Total[49] | 128 | 203 | 2,733 | 13.5 | 80 | 14 | 127 | 276 | 2,688 | 9.7 | 79 | 4 | 95 | 183 | 4,940 | 27.0 | 108 | 5 | 0 | 18 | 6 | |
- Playoffs
| Year | Team | GP | Receiving | Punt return | Kick return | Fumbles | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Ret | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Ret | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Fum | Lost | |||
| 2011 | HOU | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 16 | 1.8 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| 2012 | BAL | 4 | 5 | 147 | 29.4 | 70 | 2 | 8 | 110 | 13.8 | 34 | 0 | 14 | 362 | 25.9 | 108 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2014 | BAL | 2 | 1 | 3 | 3.0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 20 | 6.7 | 9 | 0 | 11 | 265 | 24.1 | 29 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 8 | 6 | 150 | 25.0 | 70 | 2 | 20 | 146 | 7.3 | 34 | 0 | 25 | 627 | 25.1 | 108 | 1 | 3 | 0 | |
Awards and honors
[edit]NFL
[edit]- Super Bowl champion (XLVII)[44]
- First-team All-Pro (2012)[44]
- Pro Bowl (2012)[44]
- AFC Special Teams Player of the Month – November 2012[44]
- 5× AFC Special Teams Player of the Week – Week 6, 2008,[44] Week 8, 2008,[44] Week 4, 2009,[44] Week 6, 2012,[44] Week 10, 2012[44]
College awards
[edit]Records
[edit]NFL records
[edit]- Longest kickoff return in a Super Bowl (108)[52]
- Longest play in a Super Bowl (108)[52]
- Most all-purpose yards in a Super Bowl (288)[52]
- Most career kick return TDs of 105+ yards (4)[53]
Texans franchise records
[edit]- Most punt returns in a single season: 49 (2011)[54]
- Most punt return yards in a single season: 518 (2011)[54]
- Most punt return touchdowns in a single season: 2 (2008)[54]
- Most career punt returns (179)[54]
- Most career punt return touchdowns (3)[54]
- Most career punt return yards (1,820)[54]
- Most career all-purpose yards (5,091)[54]
Ravens franchise records
[edit]Coaching career
[edit]Jones returned to his alma mater when he was named wide receivers coach with Lane College on January 16, 2018.[56] After two seasons with the Dragons, he was back in Baltimore when Calvert Hall College High School appointed him to a similar capacity on October 6, 2020.[57] Jones went on to coach the tight ends at Morgan State University.[58] In 2022, Jones joined the coaching staff at Alabama State University.[59]
Dancing With the Stars
[edit]On February 24, 2013, Jones was the first star announced to be on Season 16 of Dancing With the Stars. He partnered with season 13 winner Karina Smirnoff. They reached the finals but came in third place.[60]
| Week # | Dance/Song | Judges' score | Result | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inaba | Goodman | Tonioli | |||
| 1 | Cha-Cha-Cha/"Good Feeling" | 7 | 6 | 7 | No Elimination |
| 2 | Jazz/"Five Guys Named Moe" | 8 | 7 | 8 | Safe |
| 3 | Prom Group Dance/"The Rockafeller Skank" Rumba/"Stay" |
Awarded 8 |
2 8 |
Points 8 |
Safe |
| 4 | Foxtrot/"Watching You" | 8 | 8 | 8 | Safe |
| 5 | Jive/"Long Tall Sally" | 9 | 8 | 9 | Safe |
| 6 | Quickstep/"For Once in My Life" Team Paso Doble/"Higher Ground" |
8 7 |
7 8 |
8 7 |
Safe |
| 7 | Salsa/"Danza Kuduro" | 9 | 9 | 9 | Safe |
| 8 | Viennese Waltz / "It's a Man's, Man's, Man's World" Paso Doble (Trio Challenge) / "La Virgen de la Macarena" |
9 8 |
9 9 |
9 8 |
Last to be called safe |
| 9 Semi-finals |
Argentine Tango / "Concierto Para Quinteto" Lindy Hop / "Ding Dong Daddy of the D-Car Line" |
10 10 |
10 9 |
10 10 |
Safe |
| 10 Finals |
Jive / "Shake It" Cha-Cha-Cha Relay / "Treasure" Freestyle / "Can't Hold Us" Instant Salsa / 'Aguanile" |
9 Awarded 9 10 |
9 2 9 10 |
9 Points 9 10 |
Third Place |
Death
[edit]Jones died in his sleep at his home in New Orleans, Louisiana, on July 14, 2024. He was 40 years old.[61][18][8] A medical examiner's office in Louisiana announced on August 6, 2024 that Jones died due to hypertensive cardiovascular disease from long-term hypertension.[62]
References
[edit]- ^ Rosenthal, Gregg (February 3, 2013). "Jacoby Jones' 108-yard return TD a Super Bowl record". National Football League. Archived from the original on August 12, 2019. Retrieved September 10, 2016.
- ^ a b Borden, Sam (February 4, 2013). "For the Ravens' Jones, a Trip Home and 2 Trips Into the End Zone". The New York Times. Archived from the original on August 3, 2017. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
- ^ Terrell, Katherine (January 15, 2013). "Abramson graduate Jacoby Jones made the most of his chance in stunning Ravens' victory". The Times-Picayune. Archived from the original on August 2, 2017. Retrieved March 17, 2013.
- ^ Rose, Bob (July 14, 2024). "New Orleans Native And Former NFL Star Jacoby Jones Passes Away At Just 40 Years Old". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
- ^ a b "Lane Mourns the Loss of Jacoby Jones". Lane College. July 14, 2024. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
- ^ Andrews, Adena (February 3, 2013). "The Baltimore Ravens brotherhood within a brotherhood". CBS Sports. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
- ^ a b "SIAC to induct 7 into Hall of Fame". Triangle Tribune. July 1, 2024. Retrieved July 21, 2024.
- ^ a b c "The SIAC mourns the loss of Hall of Famer Jacoby Jones". thesiac.com. Retrieved July 21, 2024.
- ^ "Jacoby Jones Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". National Football League. Archived from the original on October 21, 2023. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
- ^ "Jacoby Jones, Lane (TN), WR, 2007 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football". draftscout.com. Archived from the original on October 2, 2021. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
- ^ "Jacoby Jones, Combine Results, WR – Lane College (TN)". nflcombineresults.com. Archived from the original on October 2, 2021. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
- ^ "2007 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on May 15, 2024. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
- ^ "Texans beat Dolphins 29-28". www.houstontexans.com. October 12, 2008. Retrieved July 21, 2024.
Jacoby Jones sliced through the Miami coverage team for his first-career touchdown. ... A 70-yard punt return for a touchdown by wide receiver Jacoby Jones, who sprinted through the middle of the Dolphins' coverage team, made the score 14-13 with 5:24 remaining before halftime after Brown's extra point.
- ^ "Texans sending four players to Pro Bowl". www.houstontexans.com. December 29, 2009. Retrieved July 21, 2024.
Four Houston Texans were named to the 2010 AFC/NFC Pro Bowl, the NFL announced today. Houston will send rookie linebacker Brian Cushing, wide receiver Andre Johnson, linebacker DeMeco Ryans and defensive end Mario Williams to South Florida for the league's feature of the best players on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010. Johnson is the only starter. ... Texans quarterback Matt Schaub, fullback Vonta Leach, and kick returner Jacoby Jones were all named as alternates for the AFC squad.
- ^ "2010 season in review: Wide receiver". www.houstontexans.com. March 25, 2011. Retrieved July 21, 2024.
Fourth-year pro Jacoby Jones continued his progression into more than a special teams threat in 2010. He set career highs with 51 catches and 562 yards and caught three touchdowns despite missing Week 5 with a calf injury. Jones had his first career 100-yard game in Week 16 at Denver, catching five passes for 115 yards, and had a career-high seven catches in Week 15 at Tennessee.
- ^ "Texans' Jones apologizes, moves forward after muffed punt". National Football League. Archived from the original on July 15, 2024. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
- ^ McClain, John (May 1, 2012). "Texans release much-maligned receiver Jacoby Jones". Ultimate Texans. Houston Chronicle. Archived from the original on October 19, 2012. Retrieved May 1, 2013.
- ^ a b Skinner, Caleb (July 14, 2024). "BREAKING: Former Texans Wide Receiver Jacoby Jones Passes Away At 40 Years of Age". SI.com. Retrieved July 21, 2024.
Jacoby passed away in his sleep just days after his 40th birthday. The direct cause of his passing is still unknown at this time.
- ^ "Ravens sign Jacoby Jones to two-year, $7 million deal". NBC Sports. May 8, 2012. Archived from the original on August 12, 2012. Retrieved May 1, 2013.
- ^ Vensel, Matt (October 17, 2012). "Baltimore Ravens wide receiver and kick return Jacoby Jones, the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week, is ready to play his former team, the Houston Texans". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on November 3, 2012. Retrieved May 1, 2013.
- ^ Lyons, Taylor (July 15, 2024). "The best of Jacoby Jones' Ravens career, from the 'Mile High Miracle' to 'Dancing with the Stars'". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
- ^ "NFL Network: Jacoby Does It Again: 63 Yd TD Return". Baltimore Ravens. November 18, 2012. Archived from the original on August 3, 2017.
- ^ Wacker, Brian (July 14, 2024). "Jacoby Jones, former Ravens WR and star of Super Bowl 47, dies at age 40". Yahoo! Sports. The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on July 15, 2024. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
- ^ "2012 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 16, 2018. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
- ^ "Jacoby Jones, ex-NFL receiver who caught Mile High Miracle, dies aged 40". The Guardian. July 14, 2024. Archived from the original on July 15, 2024. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
- ^ "Super Bowl XLVII – San Francisco 49ers vs. Baltimore Ravens – February 3rd, 2013". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 23, 2017. Retrieved November 8, 2017.
- ^ Downing, Garrett. "Jacoby Jones Graces Sports Illustrated Cover". Baltimore Ravens. Archived from the original on September 24, 2023. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
- ^ "Brynden Trawick Explains Collision With Jacoby Jones". Baltimore Ravens. Archived from the original on September 25, 2023. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
- ^ "Jacoby Jones 2013 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on June 19, 2024. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
- ^ Jackson, Wilton (June 22, 2022). "Mike Tomlin Finally Reveals What Happened on Infamous Kickoff Return 'Trip'". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on January 7, 2024. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
- ^ "Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens – November 28th, 2013". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on February 1, 2018. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
- ^ "Ravens 29–26 Vikings (Dec 8, 2013) Game Recap". ESPN. Associated Press. Archived from the original on June 6, 2024. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
- ^ Hensley, Jamison (December 17, 2013). "Upon Further Review: Ravens Week 15". ESPN. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
- ^ "'Ain't no way he's making this kick': An oral history of Justin Tucker's 66-yard record field goal". ESPN. October 21, 2023. Archived from the original on July 15, 2024. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
- ^ "Baltimore Ravens at Detroit Lions – December 16th, 2013". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on February 27, 2024. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
- ^ Hensley, Jamison (March 12, 2014). "Jacoby Jones re-signs with Ravens". ESPN. Archived from the original on March 15, 2023. Retrieved October 22, 2014.
- ^ Hensley, Jamison (February 25, 2015). "Ravens cut Jacoby Jones". ESPN. Archived from the original on February 26, 2015. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
- ^ "Jacoby Jones joins Chargers". ESPN. March 6, 2015. Archived from the original on October 22, 2023. Retrieved March 6, 2015.
- ^ "Chargers Add Explosive Playmaker Jacoby Jones". National Football League. March 6, 2015. Archived from the original on August 3, 2017. Retrieved March 6, 2015.
- ^ Florio, Mike (November 3, 2015). "Chargers dump receiver Jacoby Jones". NBC Sports. Archived from the original on November 6, 2015. Retrieved November 8, 2015.
- ^ Sessler, Marc (November 5, 2015). "Steelers release draft-bust Archer, add Jacoby Jones". National Football League. Archived from the original on August 12, 2020. Retrieved November 8, 2015.
- ^ "Jacoby Jones now Steelers' third-string punt returner". National Football League. Archived from the original on December 9, 2015. Retrieved December 8, 2015.
- ^ "Jacoby Jones released by Pittsburgh Steelers". National Football League. Archived from the original on January 2, 2016. Retrieved January 2, 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Jacoby Jones Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on May 14, 2024. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
- ^ "Jacoby Jones joins Monterrey Steel of the National Arena League". ESPN Deportes.com. March 13, 2017. Archived from the original on July 15, 2024. Retrieved March 19, 2017.
- ^ "Monterrey Steel". thestatguys.com. Archived from the original on June 2, 2021. Retrieved June 28, 2017.
- ^ "Jacoby Jones". Fox Sports. Archived from the original on July 15, 2024. Retrieved October 5, 2017.
- ^ Mink, Ryan (September 29, 2017). "Jacoby Jones Retires a Raven for All Time". Baltimore Ravens. Archived from the original on October 5, 2017. Retrieved October 5, 2017.
- ^ "Jacoby Jones Stats". ESPN. Archived from the original on September 22, 2023. Retrieved February 5, 2014.
- ^ a b Hunt, Donald (March 29, 2007). "Small-school prospect thinking big". ESPN. Archived from the original on May 7, 2017. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
- ^ "Jacoby Jones (2016) – Hall of Fame". Lane College Athletics. Archived from the original on September 28, 2022. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
- ^ a b c Bell, Amanda (July 14, 2024). "Jacoby Jones, Super Bowl Champion and 'DWTS' Alum, Dies at 40". Baker City Herald. Archived from the original on July 15, 2024. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
- ^ NFL Throwback (August 25, 2021). Jacoby Jones: The Clutch Big Play Machine! | Throwback Originals. Archived from the original on July 14, 2024. Retrieved July 14, 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Houston Texans Kick & Punt Returns Career Register". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 1, 2019. Retrieved March 29, 2018.
- ^ a b c "Baltimore Ravens Kick & Punt Returns Career Register". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 4, 2017. Retrieved March 29, 2018.
- ^ Torres, Luis (January 17, 2018). "Lane College football hires former NFL wide receiver and alum Jacoby Jones as assistant". The Jackson Sun. Archived from the original on July 15, 2024. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
- ^ Janney, Elizabeth (October 6, 2020). "Calvert Hall Hires Jacoby Jones As Wide Receiver Coach". Patch Media. Archived from the original on October 12, 2020. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
- ^ Ng, Greg (July 14, 2024). "'He was a light': Legendary retired Raven Jacoby Jones dies". WBAL-TV. Archived from the original on July 15, 2024. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
- ^ "Jacoby Jones". Alabama State Hornets. Archived from the original on January 28, 2024. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
- ^ "'Dancing With the Stars': Dorothy Hamill quits, other celebs are safe". Fox News. September 7, 2013. Archived from the original on September 7, 2013. Retrieved October 5, 2017.
- ^ Hensley, Jamison (July 14, 2024). "Jacoby Jones, who scored 2 TDs in Ravens' SB XLVII win, dies at 40". ESPN. Archived from the original on July 15, 2024. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
- ^ Williams, Charean (August 6, 2024). "Jacoby Jones died from hypertensive cardiovascular disease". NBC Sports. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
External links
[edit]- Career statistics from Yahoo Sports
- Jacoby Jones at NFL
- Jacoby Jones at ESPN.com (NFL)
- Jacoby Jones at Pro-Football-Reference.com
Jacoby Jones
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Childhood and family
Jacoby Rashi'd Jones was born on July 11, 1984, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He grew up in the New Orleans East neighborhood, raised primarily by his mother, Emily London Jones, after his father, Robert Lee Jones, left the family when Jacoby was 18 months old due to struggles with drug addiction.[10][11] Jones had one sister, Lakesho Lewis, and his mother played a central role in shaping his early development by instilling discipline and encouraging positive outlets for his energy.[10] From a young age, Jones exhibited a restless and mischievous nature, often described as a "bad kid" who needed structure to thrive.[12] At six years old, his mother enrolled him in youth football to channel his boundless energy, despite his initial preference for basketball.[12] This decision marked the beginning of his deep involvement in sports within the local community, where he regularly participated in leagues at Pontchartrain Park, fostering a competitive drive centered on football.[13] Family friends noted that "he was always competing, and it was always about football," highlighting how these early experiences built his passion and resilience in a vibrant yet challenging urban environment.[13] The absence of his father presented personal challenges, including limited paternal influence, which Jones later reflected on with humor by attributing his exceptional speed to inheriting his father's "high" genes from drug use, though he did not meet him until age 21.[11] His mother's unwavering support provided key motivation, pushing him to succeed and avoid the pitfalls that affected his father, ultimately guiding his transition into organized high school athletics.[12]High school career
Jacoby Jones initially attended St. Augustine High School in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he was considered too small to play football as a junior, prompting his transfer to Marion Abramson High School.[14] At Abramson, Jones lettered in football, basketball, and track, showcasing his versatility as a multi-sport athlete. In football, he competed as a wide receiver and return specialist, contributing to the team's efforts during his tenure. His speed and athleticism, honed across these sports, laid the foundation for his future success on the gridiron.[15][1] Jones excelled particularly in basketball and track. In basketball, he earned All-Metropolitan and All-Area honors, recognizing his standout performances on the court. On the track, he was an All-Metropolitan and All-Area sprinter, clocking impressive times of 10.28 seconds in the 100-meter dash and 21.3 seconds in the 200-meter dash, which highlighted his elite speed.[14][16] Following high school, Jones' recruitment focused on his track prowess, leading him to enroll at Southeastern Louisiana University in 2002 on a track scholarship. Eager to prioritize football, he transferred to Lane College in 2003 and walked on to the Dragons' football team, marking the start of his collegiate athletic journey.[17]College career
Time at Southeastern Louisiana University
Jacoby Jones briefly enrolled at Southeastern Louisiana University in 2002 on a track scholarship, but after facing academic challenges that led to the revocation of his scholarship, he transferred to Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee, the following year.[14][16] At Lane, a Division II historically Black college and member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), Jones walked on to the football team as a freshman in 2003 and rapidly earned a starting role as a wide receiver.[12] During his four seasons with the Lane College Dragons from 2003 to 2006, Jones developed into a versatile playmaker, transitioning from primarily a receiver to also handling punt and kickoff return responsibilities, where his speed became a key asset.[18] He contributed significantly to the team's offensive efforts, including a standout senior campaign in 2006 when he helped lead the Dragons to an 8-3 record, highlighted by multiple return touchdowns—including two kickoff returns and one punt return for scores—that showcased his explosive athleticism against conference rivals.[18] Jones's progression from walk-on freshman to conference standout reflected his dedication and adaptability, earning him consistent recognition within the SIAC throughout his tenure.[17] On campus, Jones immersed himself in student life, becoming a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity and balancing his athletic commitments with academics, ultimately earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2009.[19] His time at Lane not only honed his football skills but also fostered personal growth in a supportive HBCU environment.College statistics and awards
During his four seasons at Lane College from 2003 to 2006, Jacoby Jones established himself as a dynamic wide receiver and return specialist in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), contributing significantly to the Dragons' offensive and special teams efforts. His statistical output highlighted his versatility, with strong performances in receiving and returns that showcased his speed and playmaking ability.[18] Jones's year-by-year statistics reflected steady development, culminating in a breakout senior season. As a freshman in 2003, he began earning recognition for his contributions, though specific numerical details from early years are limited in available records. By his junior year, he was a key contributor in the passing game and on returns. In 2006, his final season, Jones recorded 68 receptions for 822 receiving yards and 6 receiving touchdowns, while also scoring 2 kickoff return touchdowns and 1 punt return touchdown for a total of 10 touchdowns. He led the SIAC in receiving yards per game (74.7), receptions per game (6.18), all-purpose yards per game (189.9), and punt return average (13.8), helping the team to an 8-3 record.[18][20] Over his college career, Jones amassed notable totals in receiving and returns, though comprehensive year-by-year breakdowns beyond his senior season are not fully documented in public sources. His overall impact included leading the conference in multiple categories during his tenure, underscoring his role in Lane College's success within the SIAC.[21] Jones received numerous awards for his excellence, including four selections to the All-SIAC first team from 2003 to 2006. In 2006, he was honored as the SIAC Offensive Player of the Year and SIAC Most Valuable Player, recognizing his dominant performance as both a receiver and returner. In 2006, Jones was named a Division II All-American as an all-purpose player.[22] These accolades highlighted his pivotal role in the team's offensive output and special teams production. He was later inducted into the Lane College Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016.[18][21]Professional career
Houston Texans
Jacoby Jones was selected by the Houston Texans in the third round, 73rd overall, of the 2007 NFL Draft out of Lane College, where he had demonstrated versatility as a wide receiver and return specialist.[1] As a rookie in 2007, Jones primarily contributed on special teams, recording 15 receptions for 149 yards while handling 30 punt returns for 286 yards, though he struggled with consistency early on.[1] Over his first two seasons, he focused on developing his return skills, scoring his first NFL touchdown with a 70-yard punt return in 2008 and adding another punt return score that year, helping establish him as a key special teams asset.[1] By 2009, Jones emerged as a more prominent offensive contributor, catching 27 passes for 437 yards and a career-high six receiving touchdowns, while also notching a 95-yard kickoff return touchdown against the Oakland Raiders.[1] His role expanded further in 2010, when he achieved personal bests with 51 receptions for 562 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing improved reliability as a wideout in Gary Kubiak's offense alongside Andre Johnson and Owen Daniels.[1] In 2011, Jones shifted back toward special teams emphasis, leading the NFL with 49 punt returns for 518 yards—including a 79-yard touchdown return against the Indianapolis Colts—while adding 31 catches for 512 yards and two scores.[1][23] Jones's tenure with the Texans ended on May 1, 2012, when the team released him following unsuccessful trade attempts after drafting wide receivers DeVier Posey and Keshawn Martin, partly to manage salary cap space as he was due $3 million that season.[24] The decision was also influenced by fan backlash after a critical fumble on a punt return near the goal line during the Texans' 20-13 Divisional Round playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens in January 2012, which some attributed to the defeat despite Houston's first playoff win the prior week.[25]Baltimore Ravens
Jacoby Jones signed with the Baltimore Ravens as a free agent on May 8, 2012, agreeing to a two-year contract worth $7 million, bringing his experience from five seasons with the Houston Texans to bolster the team's receiving corps and special teams units.[26] In his debut season, Jones quickly established himself as a dynamic playmaker, contributing 30 receptions for 406 yards and one touchdown on offense while excelling as the primary return specialist.[1] His versatility provided an immediate boost, particularly in the return game, where he averaged 30.7 yards per kickoff return, leading the NFL, and earned AFC Special Teams Player of the Month honors for November after scoring two return touchdowns that month.[27] Jones was selected to his first Pro Bowl following the 2012 regular season, highlighted by 1,167 kickoff return yards on 38 attempts and three total return touchdowns (two kickoffs and one punt).[28][29] Jones's impact extended into the playoffs, where he played a pivotal role in the Ravens' Super Bowl run. In the AFC Divisional Round against the Denver Broncos on January 12, 2013, Jones caught a 70-yard game-tying touchdown pass from quarterback Joe Flacco with 31 seconds remaining, known as the "Mile High Miracle," which forced overtime and propelled Baltimore to a 38-35 double-overtime victory.[30] His postseason return prowess culminated in Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers on February 3, 2013, where Jones opened the second half with a record-setting 108-yard kickoff return touchdown—the longest in Super Bowl history and an NFL postseason record at the time—helping the Ravens secure a 34-31 win for their second championship.[31][32] Following the championship, Jones re-signed with the Ravens on March 12, 2014, to a four-year, $12 million contract extension, reflecting his value to the team despite a dip in production during the 2013 season.[33] However, after a diminished role in 2014 with only nine receptions and one kickoff return touchdown, the Ravens released him on February 25, 2015, forgoing the remaining $2.5 million owed for the 2015 season to retool their roster.[34][35]Later NFL teams
Following his successful tenure with the Baltimore Ravens, which marked the peak of his NFL career, Jacoby Jones signed a two-year contract with the San Diego Chargers on March 6, 2015, worth up to $5.5 million, primarily to bolster their return game.[36][37] Jones's time with the Chargers was severely limited by injuries, starting with a high-ankle sprain sustained in Week 1 against the Detroit Lions on September 13, 2015, which sidelined him for the next three games.[38][39] He returned in Week 5 but saw minimal offensive involvement, appearing in a total of five games mostly on special teams, where he returned nine kickoffs for 193 yards and five punts for negative four yards, with no receptions or touchdowns recorded.[1][40] The lack of production, compounded by ongoing recovery challenges and the team's depth at wide receiver, contributed to his diminished role.[41] On November 3, 2015, after eight weeks, the Chargers released Jones as they sought to address inconsistencies in their return unit.[42][43] Two days later, on November 5, 2015, he was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Steelers to provide depth at returner following the release of Dri Archer.[44] Jones's stint with the Steelers was equally brief and unproductive; he appeared in four games from Weeks 10 through 13, logging 37 special teams snaps with six punt returns for 19 yards and nine kickoff returns for 220 yards, but no offensive statistics and three fumbles (two recovered by Pittsburgh).[1][40] Persistent injury concerns and poor ball security further eroded his standing on the depth chart.[45] The Steelers waived Jones on January 1, 2016, effectively ending his active NFL playing career as he transitioned out of the league due to mounting injuries and a reduced role across both teams.[46][47]Monterrey Steel
After being released by the Pittsburgh Steelers following the 2015 NFL season, Jacoby Jones sought to continue his professional football career in a different format, signing with the Monterrey Steel of the National Arena League (NAL) on March 13, 2017, for the league's inaugural season.[48] The NAL, an eight-team indoor league primarily based in the eastern United States with Monterrey as its international outlier, offered Jones an opportunity to play in a faster-paced environment on a smaller field. Jones expressed enthusiasm for the move, stating, "I appreciate the opportunity … to become part of the team. I want to do something different; I want to have fun playing this sport."[7] In his debut for the Steel on March 20, 2017, against the Corpus Christi Rage, Jones made an immediate impact as a wide receiver and return specialist, returning a missed field goal 58 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter and catching one pass for 7 yards during the team's 55-12 victory.[48] Over the course of the season, he appeared in eight games, catching 19 passes for 169 yards and 1 touchdown, and returning two missed field goals for 71 yards including 1 touchdown, utilizing his speed and return skills in the confined indoor setting before stepping away from competitive play. Jones's time with the Steel marked the final chapter of his on-field professional career, as he did not return for the 2018 NAL season and instead transitioned to coaching roles thereafter. In September 2017, shortly after the Steel's campaign concluded, he signed a symbolic one-day contract with the Baltimore Ravens to officially retire as a member of that organization.[49]Post-retirement activities
Coaching career
Following his retirement from professional football in 2017, Jacoby Jones transitioned into coaching, beginning with his alma mater, Lane College, where he served as wide receivers coach from 2018 to 2019.[15] In this role, Jones emphasized empowering young athletes by instilling the belief that success is achievable regardless of the institution's size or resources, drawing directly from his own journey from a small HBCU program to the NFL.[12] His energetic approach and NFL anecdotes helped motivate players, fostering a sense of possibility and hard work among the Dragons' receiving corps during his tenure.[12] In 2020, Jones moved to Calvert Hall College High School in Baltimore as wide receivers coach for a pandemic-shortened season, where he brought infectious enthusiasm to practices, hyping up players during stretches and personally demonstrating NFL-level drills.[50] His impact was evident in mentoring players like Donovan Lewis, teaching techniques that remained integral to their development and encouraging them to embrace football's joy while striving for more, as seen in his post-commitment advice to Lewis heading to Delaware.[50] Jones freely shared insights from his playing days, such as lessons from coaches like Gary Kubiak, which not only elevated the Cardinals' staff but also created a fun, approachable environment that boosted team morale.[50] Jones advanced to the collegiate level again in 2021 as tight ends coach at Morgan State University, where his professional pedigree was expected to provide valuable experience to both players and the staff under head coach Tyrone Wheatley.[51] He continued this progression in 2022 by joining Alabama State University as wide receivers coach, a position he held through the 2023 season.[52] At Alabama State, Jones significantly influenced the Hornets' offense through his recruiting prowess and teaching methods, bringing high energy and a constant smile that uplifted the team, as noted by head coach Eddie Robinson Jr., who described him as "a great recruiter, a great teacher and a great person."[53] His coaching philosophy, shaped by his NFL experiences, focused on avoiding a robotic approach—instead encouraging independent thinking and creativity to help players grow holistically.[54] In early 2024, Jones was hired as head coach and offensive coordinator for the Beaumont Renegades, an expansion team in the National Arena League.[55] He remained in this role at the time of his death on July 14, 2024.[56]Entertainment career
Following his pivotal role in the Baltimore Ravens' Super Bowl XLVII victory, Jacoby Jones expanded his public presence by competing on season 16 of the ABC reality competition Dancing with the Stars, which premiered in March 2013.[57] Jones partnered with professional dancer Karina Smirnoff, a season 13 champion, and the duo showcased a mix of high-energy routines that highlighted his athletic background as an NFL wide receiver and return specialist.[58] Their performances included a cha-cha to Flo Rida's "Good Feeling" in the premiere week, earning a score of 20 from the judges, and later standout numbers like a jive to "Good Golly Miss Molly" and a salsa to "Danza Kuduro" by Don Omar, which demonstrated his quick footwork and showmanship.[59][60] In the finale, they received a perfect score of 30 for an instant salsa redo, underscoring Jones's growth and adaptability on the dance floor.[61] The pairing received widespread acclaim for blending Jones's natural charisma with Smirnoff's technical expertise, with judges frequently praising his entertainment value and energy despite occasional critiques on precision.[58] Fan reception was enthusiastic, fueled by a robust social media effort under #TeamBaltimore that rallied Ravens supporters and propelled Jones to the finals, where he ultimately placed third behind winners Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough, and runners-up Zendaya and Val Chmerkovskiy.[62][63] Jones's participation significantly elevated his profile during his Ravens tenure, transforming him from a celebrated athlete into a multifaceted entertainer and endearing him to a broader audience beyond football fans.[58] The experience also led to increased media exposure, including guest spots on shows like Good Morning America to discuss the competition, further solidifying his off-field persona as an engaging performer.[64] No major endorsement deals directly stemmed from the show, but it cemented his reputation for versatility in entertainment circles.[65]NFL statistics
Receiving and rushing
Jacoby Jones served as a wide receiver in the NFL, with limited but occasional involvement in the rushing attack. His career offensive totals include 203 receptions for 2,733 yards and 14 receiving touchdowns, as well as 19 rushing attempts for 62 yards and 0 rushing touchdowns. These figures reflect his role as a versatile offensive player, particularly during his time with the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens, where he contributed to multiple playoff runs. Jones's return specialist duties further enhanced his overall value to teams, though his offensive output remained the core of his receiving and rushing contributions.[1][40] The following table summarizes Jones's regular season receiving and rushing statistics by year and team:| Year | Team | Games | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving TDs | Rushing Attempts | Rushing Yards | Rushing TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | HOU | 14 | 15 | 149 | 0 | 3 | -1 | 0 |
| 2008 | HOU | 16 | 3 | 81 | 0 | 1 | -5 | 0 |
| 2009 | HOU | 14 | 27 | 437 | 6 | 3 | 22 | 0 |
| 2010 | HOU | 15 | 51 | 562 | 3 | 2 | 7 | 0 |
| 2011 | HOU | 16 | 31 | 512 | 2 | 4 | 17 | 0 |
| 2012 | BAL | 16 | 30 | 406 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 0 |
| 2013 | BAL | 12 | 37 | 455 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | BAL | 16 | 9 | 131 | 0 | 3 | 16 | 0 |
| 2015 | SD/PIT | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | - | 128 | 203 | 2,733 | 14 | 19 | 62 | 0 |
Return statistics
Jacoby Jones was a prominent return specialist in the NFL, particularly noted for his explosive plays on kickoffs and punts during his tenure with the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens. Over his nine-season career from 2007 to 2015, he recorded 276 punt returns for 2,688 yards and 4 touchdowns, averaging 9.7 yards per return, along with 183 kickoff returns for 4,940 yards and 5 touchdowns, averaging 27.0 yards per return.[1] These figures underscore his value on special teams, where he often provided immediate field position advantages or scoring opportunities for his teams. Jones's peak performance came in 2012 with the Ravens, when he amassed 38 kickoff returns for 1,167 yards and 2 touchdowns, including two 100-plus-yard returns that highlighted his speed and vision.[1] He also excelled as a punt returner that year, with 37 returns for 341 yards and 1 touchdown. Earlier, in 2008 with the Texans, Jones scored twice on punt returns, tying his single-season high, while his 2011 season featured a career-best 49 punt returns for 518 yards and 1 touchdown.[1] In the postseason, Jones contributed 20 punt returns for 146 yards with no touchdowns and 25 kickoff returns for 627 yards and 1 touchdown across three appearances.[1] His most memorable playoff moment occurred in Super Bowl XLVII, where he returned the opening kickoff of the second half 108 yards for a touchdown, setting an NFL postseason record for the longest kickoff return and helping the Ravens secure a 34-31 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.[31]| Year | Team | Punt Ret | Punt Yds | Punt TD | Kick Ret | Kick Yds | Kick TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | HOU | 30 | 286 | 0 | 4 | 78 | 0 |
| 2008 | HOU | 32 | 386 | 2 | 13 | 280 | 0 |
| 2009 | HOU | 39 | 426 | 0 | 24 | 638 | 1 |
| 2010 | HOU | 29 | 204 | 0 | 23 | 494 | 0 |
| 2011 | HOU | 49 | 518 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 | BAL | 37 | 341 | 1 | 38 | 1,167 | 2 |
| 2013 | BAL | 19 | 237 | 0 | 31 | 892 | 1 |
| 2014 | BAL | 30 | 275 | 0 | 32 | 978 | 1 |
| 2015 | PIT/SD | 11 | 15 | 0 | 18 | 413 | 0 |
| Career | - | 276 | 2,688 | 4 | 183 | 4,940 | 5 |
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