Jacoby Jones, Super Bowl winner and former Baltimore Ravens star, has died at the age of 40.
Tributes have been pouring in for the former wide receiver, who finished third on Dancing with the Stars, after the news was first reported by the Baltimore sun.
No cause of death has yet been released and the news stunned NFL fans and his former teammates.
JJ Watt wrote about X: ‘Jacoby was one of the most joyful teammates and people I have ever met. Always dancing and laughing, with a permanent smile on his face. Gone far too soon, far too soon.’
Pat McAfee added: ‘Jacoby Jones was an absolute legend. He was loved by literally everyone he met and lit up every room he walked into.’
Former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones has died at age 40
Jones appears on Jimmy Kimmel Live after helping the Ravens win the Super Bowl in 2013
Jones made history by returning an NFL record 108 yards for a TD in the Super Bowl
Torrey Smith, who won the Super Bowl with Jones in 2013, said, “My brother! I thank God for the memories and your impact on this world. You were 1 of 1!
‘Your play on the field and your jokes will live on forever! We have Momma Jones [and] Lil Coby is back for life! This one hurt me man! We gonna miss you! Love you bro!’
Jones grew up in New Orleans (his home was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina) and was drafted by the Houston Texans in 2007.
He played five seasons in Houston before moving to Baltimore, where he won the Super Bowl in his first season.
The most memorable play of his career came in Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers, when he returned an NFL record 108 yards on a kick for a touchdown.
He finished third on Dancing With The Stars, partnered by Karina Smirnoff
Jones danced on the field during his NFL career (left), and on television in the years that followed
That same night, he became the first player in Super Bowl history to score a receiving touchdown and a returning touchdown in the same game.
Jones subsequently played for the San Diego Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers, before ending his career in 2017 with the Monterrey Steel in the National Arena League.
He later became a fan favorite outside of the football world when he came third in season 16 of Dancing With The Stars, partnered by Karina Smirnoff.
Jones later moved into coaching when he was named wide receivers coach at his alma mater Lane College, before transferring to Calvert Hall College High School in 2020.
He was recently a member of the coaching staff at Alabama State University.
