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For the baseball player, see JaCoby Jones.

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.

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.[1] At the time of his death he was the wide receivers coach at Alabama State University.

Early life

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

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]

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
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[7][8][9]

Houston Texans

Jones while playing for the Texans in 2010

Jones was drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round (73rd overall) of the 2007 NFL draft.[10] His first touchdown reception was against the Tennessee Titans in week 2 of the 2009 season. He also returned a punt for a 70-yard score against Miami in week 6 of the 2008 season. Jones continued to be relatively valuable as both a receiver and a returner, though he sometimes struggled with drops.

On January 15, 2012, in the 2011 AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens, Jones muffed a punt that contributed to the Texans defeat.[11] He was rushed by Cary Williams and the ball was recovered inside the Texans 5-yard line by Jimmy Smith.

On May 1, 2012, Jones was released by the Texans.[12]

Baltimore Ravens

Jones scoring a touchdown during second quarter of Super Bowl XLVII

On May 8, 2012, Jones signed a two-year, $7 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens.[13]

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.[14] 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.[15] 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.[16] It was the first time the Ravens returned a punt for a touchdown against the Steelers.[17]

Jones with the Ravens in 2014.

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.[18] 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.[19]

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.[20] Jones was then the feature player on the cover of the Super Bowl XLVII edition of Sports Illustrated.[21]

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.[22] Jones would not return until Week 6 against the Green Bay Packers, where he had his first receiving touchdown of the season.[23] 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.[24] The Ravens would later win by a score of 22–20.[25] 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.[26] 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.[27] That record was later broken by Tucker in a game against the Detroit Lions in 2023.[28] Jones had 6 receptions for 80 yards that game.[29]

Jones in 2014.

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.[30]

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.[31]

San Diego Chargers

On March 6, 2015, Jones signed with the San Diego Chargers.[32][33] 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.[34]

Pittsburgh Steelers

Jones was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 5, 2015.[35] 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.[36] He was released on January 1, 2016.[37]

In four games with the Steelers, Jones had 6 punt returns for 19 yards and 9 kick returns for 220 yards.[38]

Monterrey Steel

On March 13, 2017, Jones signed with the Monterrey Steel of the National Arena League (NAL).[39] 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.[40]

Retirement

On September 29, 2017, Jones signed a one-day contract with the Ravens so he could retire as a member of the team.[41][42]

NFL career statistics

Legend
Won the Super Bowl
Bold Career high
Year Team GP Receiving Punt return Kick return Fumbles
Rec Yds Avg Lng TD FD Ret Yds Lng TD FC Ret Yds Lng TD FC Fum Lost
2007 HOU 14 15 149 9.9 26 0 9 30 286 74 0 7 4 78 23 0 0 2 2
2008 HOU 16 3 81 27.0 45 0 2 32 386 73 2 17 13 280 30 0 0 4 1
2009 HOU 14 27 437 16.2 45 6 19 39 426 62 0 14 24 638 95 1 0 2 0
2010 HOU 15 51 562 11.0 47 3 31 29 204 39 0 15 23 494 35 0 0 1 0
2011 HOU 16 31 512 16.5 80 2 23 49 518 79 1 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2012 BAL 16 30 406 13.5 47 1 16 37 341 63 1 16 38 1,167 108 2 0 2 0
2013 BAL 12 37 455 12.3 66 2 21 19 237 37 0 2 31 892 77 1 0 0 0
2014 BAL 16 9 131 14.6 31 0 6 30 275 45 0 17 32 978 108 1 0 4 2
2015 SD 5 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 5 −4 5 0 0 9 193 30 0 0 0 0
PIT 4 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 6 19 14 0 0 9 220 36 0 0 3 1
Total[43] 128 203 2,733 13.5 80 14 127 276 2,688 79 4 95 183 4,940 108 5 0 18 6

Awards and honors

NFL

College awards

Records

NFL records

  • Longest kickoff return in a Super Bowl (108)[46]
  • Longest play in a Super Bowl (108)[46]
  • Most all-purpose yards in a Super Bowl (288)[46]
  • Most career kick return TDs of 105+ yards (4)[47]

Texans franchise records

  • Most punt returns in a single season: 49 (2011)[48]
  • Most punt return yards in a single season: 518 (2011)[48]
  • Most punt return touchdowns in a single season: 2 (2008)[48]
  • Most career punt returns (179)[48]
  • Most career punt return touchdowns (3)[48]
  • Most career punt return yards (1,820)[48]
  • Most career all-purpose yards (5,091)[48]

Ravens franchise records

  • Most career kickoff return touchdowns (4)[49]
  • Most kickoff return touchdowns in a single season: 2 (2012)[49]
  • Longest kickoff return: 108 (vs Dallas Cowboys, vs Pittsburgh Steelers & vs San Francisco 49ers)[49]

Coaching career

Jones returned to his alma mater when he was named wide receivers coach with Lane College on January 16, 2018.[50] 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.[51] Jones went on to coach the tight ends at Morgan State University.[52] In 2022, Jones joined the coaching staff at Alabama State University.[53]

Dancing With the Stars

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.[54]

Week # Dance/Song Judges' score Result
Inaba Goodman Tonioli
1 Cha-Cha-Cha/"Good Feeling" 7 7 7 No Elimination
2 Jazz/"Five Guys Named Moe" 7 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

Jones died at his home in New Orleans, Louisiana, on July 14, 2024, at the age of 40.[55]

References

  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ 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.
  4. ^ 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.
  5. ^ a b "Lane Mourns the Loss of Jacoby Jones". Lane College. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
  6. ^ Andrews, Adena (February 3, 2013). "The Baltimore Ravens brotherhood within a brotherhood". CBS Sports. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
  7. ^ "Jacoby Jones Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". National Football League. Archived from the original on October 21, 2023. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
  8. ^ "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.
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  10. ^ "2007 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on May 15, 2024. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
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  12. ^ 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.
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  14. ^ 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.
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  40. ^ "Monterrey Steel". thestatguys.com. Archived from the original on June 2, 2021. Retrieved June 28, 2017.
  41. ^ "Jacoby Jones". Fox Sports. Archived from the original on July 15, 2024. Retrieved October 5, 2017.
  42. ^ 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.
  43. ^ "Jacoby Jones Stats". ESPN. Archived from the original on September 22, 2023. Retrieved February 5, 2014.
  44. ^ 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.
  45. ^ "Jacoby Jones (2016) - Hall of Fame". Lane College Athletics. Archived from the original on September 28, 2022. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
  46. ^ 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.
  47. ^ 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.
  48. ^ 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.
  49. ^ 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.
  50. ^ 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.
  51. ^ 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.
  52. ^ 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.
  53. ^ "Jacoby Jones". Alabama State Hornets. Archived from the original on January 28, 2024. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  54. ^ "'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.
  55. ^ 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.

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