The NFL world has flooded with reactions to the news of the death of Jacoby Jones on Sunday.
The Louisiana native and former Ravens receiver was 40 years old and his cause of death remains unknown.
Jones’ former Ravens teammates have posted in his memory, including Hall of Famer Ray Lewis and Torrey Smith.
“My brother, you will truly be missed,” Lewis wrote on X. “They can’t take the memories and the hard work you put in on and off the football field. You always gave back and always a pillar in the community, a @Ravens for life. Love ya JJ.”
“My brother! I thank God for the memories and your impact on this world. You were 1 of 1 !” Smith posted. “Your play on the field and jokes will live on forever! We have Momma Jones a Lil Coby’s back for life!
“This one hurt me man! We are going to miss you! Love you bro!”
Jones, Lewis and Smith won Super Bowl 47 together that featured Jones’ famed 56-yard touchdown reception and a 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to contribute to the Ravens’ 34-31 victory over the 49ers.
Jones played three seasons in Baltimore before heading to both Pittsburgh and San Diego for his final season, but he started his professional career with the Texans, who drafted him out of Lane College in 2007 in the third round (73rd overall).
In those five seasons, he overlapped with three-time Defensive Player of the Year JJ Watt and four-time Pro-Bowler running back Arian Foster.
“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,” Watt said. “Gone far, far too soon. R.I.P Jacoby Jones.”
“don’t think there’s anyone i ever played with that believed in me like he did,” Foster wrote. “i loved that dude like we came from the same mother. i made sure i told him every time i saw him. and he did the same.
“one of the purest people i’ve ever been around. damn this s–t really hurts.”
“This sucks. Jacoby was as funny a teammate and happy a person I had ever shared locker room with. RIP,” said Dan Orlovsky, who was the backup quarterback for Houston in 2010, on a retweet of Pat McAfee’s tribute post featuring a video of Jones dancing in the end zone.
Former Texans signal caller teammate in 2011, Matt Leinart, also wrote, “My former teammate Jacoby Jones passed. Damn this hits hard. His laugh and just bigger than life personality will be something I’ll always remember. RIP brother.”
“My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family of Jacoby Jones during this difficult time,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin posted. “I enjoyed coaching him during his time with the Steelers.”
Across his career, Jones had 203 receptions over 353 targets for 2,733 yards and 14 touchdowns across 128 games. In 2017, he signed a one-day contract with the Ravens so that he could retire as a member of the team.
