Ravens Coach John Harbaugh Comments On Sudden Death Of Jacoby Jones

Jacoby Jones, a former wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens, passed away in his sleep this weekend at the age of 40.

Following his sudden passing, many former NFL players and coaches released statements, including Ravens coach John Harbaugh, who called Jacoby Jones "a light."

Jacoby Jones, a former wide receiver for the Texans and a third-round draft pick from Lane College, gained fame as a record-setting Super Bowl kickoff returner for the Baltimore Ravens.

Unfortunately, he passed away in his sleep at home overnight. The cause of death has not yet been revealed. Jones was 40 years old and is survived by his mother, Emily, and his son, Jacoby.

After learning of his passing Ravens coach John Harbaugh released a statement.

“I loved Jacoby Jones, we all did,” he began, per KPRC 2. “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 Jacoby personal moment was every time I saw his smiling face full of joy. Rest in peace, Jacoby, in the arms of Jesus," Harbaugh added before revealing his favorite football play, which 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," he recalled.

The Houston Texans also released a statement after the tragic news broke. “We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Jacoby Jones,” the NFL team said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.”

The NFL Players Association expressed they are "deeply saddened to share that Jacoby Jones, a beloved former Ravens football player from New Orleans and a proud graduate of a historically Black college, has passed away at the age of 40."

“In a statement, the Jones family confirmed that Jacoby Jones passed away peacefully at his home 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 organization added.

Earlier this year, Jones was appointed as the head coach and offensive coordinator for the Beaumont Renegades, an indoor football team.

“He was the best, he loved everyone,” Sam Gordon, owner of the Beaumont Renegades, told KPRC 2. “I think one of the most important things is he was a man of God. He was proud of how much he loved and feared his God. What was most important to him after football was helping the next person in line. He was the most humble and kind person to anybody who gave him the time and needed the time from him.”

“Jacoby was a special football player,” the Beaumont Renegades said in a statement. “He loved every minute of every game, and he knew that every day was a blessing. But what can be said about Jacoby the football player only scratches the surface of who he was as a man. When you needed someone, he was there. When you called, he answered. When you texted, he responded. It didn’t matter if you were a family member, a close friend, a former coach or teammate, a player he coached."

“What Jacoby loved doing the most was giving back and helping the next generation of kids achieve their dreams and reach their fullest potential," they added. "He left no one behind and gave time to every young kid and player that asked for it. Our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies go out to his family as they work through this sudden and tragic loss.”

“Jacoby was one of the most fun-loving teammates and people I’ve ever been around,” former Texans teammate J.J. Watt wrote on in an X post. “Always dancing and laughing, with a permanent smile on his face. Gone far, far too soon. R.I.P Jacoby Jones.”

Ravens Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis also broke his silence with a social media post. “My brother, you will truly be missed,” he said. “They can’t take the memories and the hard work you put in on and off the football field. You always gave back and were always a pillar in the community, a Raven for life. Love ya JJ.”