The NFL is in mourning.
Retired pro football player Jacoby Jones, who played in the league for nine years and helped the Baltimore Ravens win the 2013 Super Bowl, has died. The New Orleans-born athlete, who is also a Dancing With the Stars alum, was 40. The cause of his death was not released.
"The NFL is heartbroken to hear of the passing of Super Bowl champion Jacoby Jones," the league said in a statement on X July 14. "Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones."
Jones, a wide receiver, was drafted into the NFL in 2007 by the Houston Texans. He joined the Ravens in 2012.
"My brother, you will truly be missed," he former Baltimore teammate Ray 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."
In 2013, Jones scored two touchdowns for the Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII, helping them beat the San Francisco 49ers.
Later that year, Jones competed on Dancing With the Stars with pro dancer Karina Smirnoff. They finished in third place. Fellow cast member Val Chmerkovskiy, who placed second with partner Zendaya, paid homage to the athlete following news of his death.
"Rest in peace my friend," he wrote on Instagram. "Got a text this morning from DC and it broke my heart. Thinking of Jacobys family and his beautiful mother."
He continued, "I will always be grateful for our friendship beyond the dancefloor or the football field. Thank you for bringing me into your home, to the cookout, to your charity events, I will miss you. Shining light, always making people laugh around him, always showing love and giving back."
In 2015, Jones joined the Pittsburgh Steelers and later, signed with the San Diego Chargers. In 2017, he left the NFL and played for the National Arena League's Monterrey Steel for several months before signing a one-day contract with the Ravens so he could retire as a member of the team.
The Texans, Steelers and Ravens all paid tribute to the late athlete on social media.
"We are completely heartbroken to learn about the passing of Jacoby Jones," the Baltimore team wrote in an Instagram post. "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."
The post continued, "Jacoby will be long 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 him. We share our deepest condolences with Jacoby's family as we all begin to process this devastating loss."
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