Super Bowl Champ and Dancing with the Stars Contestant Jacoby Jones Dies at 40

The football community and its fans are mourning the untimely loss of one of its former players. Super Bowl champion Jacoby Jones passed away aged 40 overnight in his sleep at his Houston, Texas home on July 14, although no cause of death has been announced.

The NFL shared a statement in his honor on Instagram, writing: “The NFL is heartbroken to hear of the passing of Super Bowl champion Jacoby Jones. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”

Jacoby, originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, began his NFL career after the 2007 draft, when he was picked by the Houston Texans. He spent five years with the team before joining the Baltimore Ravens. He won Super Bowl XLVII with the Ravens in 2013 against the San Francisco 49ers. According to NBC Sports, during the championship, he became the first player in Super Bowl history to score via a touchdown pass and a return in the same game.

He played with the Ravens for two more years before having stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Chargers, eventually retiring in 2015.

Former NFL quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart, who was Jacoby’s teammate on the Texans, paid tribute to him on X, formerly known as Twitter, writing: “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.”

Former Texans defensive end J.J. Watt also paid tribute on his Instagram Stories: “Jacoby was one of the most fun-loving teammates and people I’ve ever been around.” He further shared Jacoby was “always dancing and laughing, with a permanent smile on his face,” before concluding with: “Gone far, far too soon. R.I.P. Jacoby Jones.”

Following his retirement in 2015, Jacoby became a coach at his alma mater, Lane College in Tennessee. He later coached at Morgan State and Alabama State.

Jacoby was also a contestant on season 16 of “Dancing with the Stars,” which aired in 2013. The season featured other celebrities such as “The Bachelor” star Sean Lowe, Wynonna Judd, Lisa Vanderpump, Alexandra Raisman, Kellie Pickler, and Zendaya. He and his dance partner Karina Smirnoff placed third.

Little is known about Jacoby’s personal life, including whether he is survived by a wife or children.

Source: NFL, NBC Sports, X