ExtremeRavens Posted August 7 Posted August 7 Former Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones died last month from heart disease, a Louisiana coroner ruled. A spokesperson for the New Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office said Wednesday that a July 15 autopsy found Jones’ manner of death to be from natural causes. His specific cause of death was listed as hypertensive cardiovascular disease, which refers to heart problems stemming from long-term high blood pressure. Jones, a wide receiver and All-Pro kick returner for the Ravens from 2012 to 2014 who starred in the team’s Super Bowl 47 victory, died “peacefully at his home” on July 14, according to his family in a statement through the NFL Players Association. He had just turned 40. “We are completely heartbroken to learn about the passing of Jacoby Jones,” the Ravens said in a statement at the time of his death. “Jacoby had the unique ability to connect with everyone he encountered. His charisma, joy and love created a one-of-a-kind presence that could light up any room or brighten any dark day. “Jacoby will long be remembered not just for his success on the football field, but for the lasting personal connections he made with countless people in the Ravens organization, Baltimore community and every area he called home.” Jones’ biggest moment for the Ravens came on the game’s biggest stage in the Super Bowl in his hometown of New Orleans against the San Francisco 49ers, with a 56-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter and a game-record 108-yard kickoff return for a score to open the second half to give the Ravens a 28-6 lead. Baltimore held on for a 34-31 victory for the organization’s second championship. Perhaps even more memorable was a play he made during the playoffs to help get them there, dubbed the “Mile High Miracle.” Jones had a 70-yard, game-tying touchdown catch in the waning seconds of regulation in Baltimore’s AFC divisional round game that season against the Denver Broncos, which the Ravens went on to win in double overtime. The play was voted the greatest moment in team history for the NFL’s 100th anniversary in 2019. “I loved Jacoby Jones. We all did,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in a statement at the time of his death. “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 was also remembered by teammates for his spirit, charisma and humor, as well as his dancing on and off the field as a participant in “Dancing With the Stars.” A third-round draft pick out of Division II Lane College by the Houston Texans in 2007, he spent nine seasons in the NFL, including his first five with Houston. He also played for the then-San Diego Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers. Jones holds the Ravens’ record for most career kickoff return touchdowns (four), most kickoff return touchdowns in a single season (two) and the longest kickoff return in team history. He finished his career with 203 catches for 2,733 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also had 4,940 yards and five touchdowns as a kick returner and 2,688 yards and four scores as a punt returner. After signing a one-day contract with Baltimore in September 2017 so he could retire as a member of the Ravens, he went on to be the wide receivers coach at Lane College from 2018 to 2019 as well as at Calvert Hall in 2020. He also coached tight ends at Morgan State in 2021 and wide receivers at Alabama State beginning in 2022. Jones was inducted into the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Hall of Fame last month and is a member of the Hall of Fame at Lane College as well as his high school alma mater, Marion Abramson. Earlier this year, Jones was hired by the Beaumont Renegades, a professional indoor football team based in Texas, as their head coach and offensive coordinator. “What Jacoby loved doing the most was giving back and helping the next generation of kids achieve their dreams and reach their fullest potential,” the Renegades said, in part, in a statement at the time of his death. “He left no one behind and gave time to every young kid and player that asked for it.” View the full article Quote
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