The NFL world is awash with reactions to the news of Jacoby Jones’ death on Sunday.
The Louisiana native and former Ravens receiver was 40 years old, and the cause of death remains unknown.
Jones’ former Ravens teammates, including Hall of Famers Ray Lewis and Torrey Smith, also posted memorials for him.
“I’m really going to miss you, brother.” Lewis wrote about X. “They can’t take away the memories and the effort you put in on and off the football field. You always gave back, you always were a pillar in the community. @Ravens Forever. I love you, JJ.
“Brother! I thank God for the memories and the impact you made on this world. Every single one of you!” Smith posted. “Your play and jokes on the field will live on forever! We will support Mama Jones and Lil Coby for the rest of our lives!”
“This has been so hard! I’m gonna miss you! I love you!”
Jones, Lewis and Smith combined to win Super Bowl XLVII, which featured Jones’ famous 56-yard touchdown reception and 108-yard kickoff return touchdown in the Ravens’ 34-31 victory over the 49ers.
Jones played three seasons with Baltimore, spending his final seasons with Pittsburgh and San Diego, before beginning his professional career in 2007 when he was selected by the Texans in the third round (73rd overall) of the draft out of Lane College.
Over those five seasons, he has overlapped with three-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt and four-time Pro Bowl running back Arian Foster.
“Jacoby was the most fun-loving teammate and most personable person I’ve ever met. Always dancing, laughing, and always with a smile on his face.” Watt said. “Gone far too soon. May Jacoby Jones rest in peace.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever played with anyone who believed in me like he did.” Foster wrote. “I loved that man as if we had been born of the same mother. I told him that every time we met, and he did too.”
“One of the purest people I’ve ever met. Damn, this really hurts.”
“This is the worst. Jacoby was the funniest, happiest teammate I’ve ever been in a locker room with. Rest in peace.” Dan Orlovsky saysJones, who was Houston’s backup quarterback in 2010, retweeted a tribute post from Pat McAfee that featured a video of Jones dancing in the end zone.
He was a former Texans point guard teammate in 2011. Matt Leinart also wrote“I am devastated that my former teammate Jacoby Jones has passed away. I will always remember his laugh and greatest thing in life. Rest in peace brother.”
“Our deepest condolences go out to Jacoby Jones’ family during this difficult time.” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin posted this. “I enjoyed coaching him during his time with the Steelers.”
Jones caught 353 passes, 203 receptions for 2,733 yards and 14 touchdowns in 128 games during his career. In 2017, he signed a one-day contract with the Ravens to retire as part of the team.
