Former NFL receiver Jacoby Jones, whose 108-yard kickoff return in 2013 remains the longest touchdown in Super Bowl history, was found dead in his home on Sunday, July 14.

In his NFL career, 2007 to 2015, he played for the Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, San Diego Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers, and made several huge plays for the Ravens in their last Super Bowl title.

It was that same series he made history with a record-breaking 108-yard kick return touchdown, the longest in Super Bowl history, leading the Ravens to a 34-31 victory over the 49ers, marking San Francisco’s first-ever Super Bowl defeat.

The former Texans wide receiver – a third-round draft pick in 2007 – became the first player in Super Bowl history to record both a receiving touchdown and a return touchdown.

‘Football hero’

On July 14, the Texans, Jones’ team from 2007 to 2011, announced his death on social media.

“We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Jacoby Jones. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time,” the team caption the post, which shows a black and white photo of the NFL star in his old Texans jersey.

According to a statement released by the NFL Players Association, his family said he died at his home in New Orleans, the city he was born.

Meanwhile, the Ravens – the team he signed a one-day contract with in 2017 so he could retire as a member of the team – shared a heartfelt message about his loss.

“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 team writes in a Facebook post on July 14.

In a statement, Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta shares his memories of the player he calls a “football hero.”

“I remember standing next to him at the Super Bowl, hugging him after the game and enjoying the moment with he and his mom. Jacoby will go down in history as a champion and celebrated in Baltimore as a football hero.” He continues, “I will always cherish his smile and infectious personality and the joy that he brought to his city. My condolences to his family.”

Recalling his “warmth and effervescent personality,” head coach John Harbaugh says, “I loved Jacoby Jones. We all did. His spirit, enthusiasm and love for people were powerful. He was a light.” He continues, “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.”

Meanwhile, Karina Smirnoff, Jones’ old dance partner from Dancing with the Stars, expressed her grief with a touching message on Instagram.

“I’m so heartbroken and shocked. The world lost one of its finest,” the 46-year-old captions the post, that includes several photos of her and Jones performing in 2013. “Coby was one of the funniest, coolest, kindest people I’ve met. He was always in a great mood…Big Moe, I’ll miss u soooo much! I’ll miss ur jokes! I’ll miss u calling me Lil Moe. #RIPJJ.”

Among the many tributes is one from Torrey Smith, who played the Super Bowl XLVII game with Jones.

He shares on X, “brother! I thank God for the memories and your impact on this world. You were 1 of 1 ! Your play on the field and jokes will live on forever!” Referring to the star’s mother and his young son Jacoby Jr., Smith continues, “We have Momma Jones a Lil Coby’s back for life! This one hurt me man! We are going to miss you!”

‘Deeply saddened’

Speaking only in a statement, Jones’ family writes, “We are deeply saddened to share that Jacoby Jones, a beloved former Ravens football player from New Orleans and a proud graduate of a historically Black college has passed away at the age of 40. We want to express our gratitude for all the kind thoughts and support you have shown us during this challenging time. Your ongoing support and respecting our privacy means a lot to us.”

Mickey Clemons Jr., one of Jones’ teammates from Marion Abramson High school, tells WDSU News, “You got his back. He got your back. We not leaving any man behind. That was his motto,” said the former footballer. “I am him. He would always say, ‘I am him.’ He’s probably laughing at me now. But his legacy will always go on here,” said Clemons.

Another one of his old team members, Derek Patterson, tells the New Orleans-based outlet that his friend called him before he died.

“I remember seeing Jacoby12 calling my phone. I said, ‘Ima hit him back.’ I know he’s mad at me. Because when I don’t answer, he gets mad at me,” Patterson said, adding that he hadn’t known it would be the last call he received from his dear friend.

The man explains the next morning, he received a call from his son, who told him Jones was dead.

“You always wish you could do more. Or say more. That’s what’s eating me up. Make sure you pick up. Answer the phone,” Patterson adds.

Jones’ cause of death has not yet been released.