Courtesy of the SIAC
Class of 2024 SIAC Hall of Fame inductee and former NFL receiver Jacoby Jones passed away in his sleep in his Houston home. He was 40.
The day before his fortieth birthday on July 11, Jones joined the SIAC in Atlanta to celebrate his induction into the SIAC Hall of Fame.
Jones was a pivotal part of the Lane College football team from 2003 to 2006, where he was named offensive player of the year, special teams player of the year and all-conference. Jones was selected by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft where he played for five seasons.
During his remarkable 2012-13 season with the Ravens, Jones recorded a 70-yard game-tying touchdown catch in the AFC Divisional playoff game, keeping the team’s Super Bowl campaign alive. A few weeks later, he recorded the longest play in Super Bowl history with a 108-yard kickoff return in Super Bowl XLVII victory. That season, the receiver received his first NFL Pro Bowl selection.
Jones spent nine seasons in the NFL with the Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, San Diego Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers. In 2018, he returned to his alma mater to coach wide receivers for two seasons.
“We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Jacoby’s untimely passing,” said SIAC Commissioner Anthony Holloman. “He was a hall of fame talent who lit up any room he entered with his infectious personality. I am grateful we were able to honor him in front of his family peers while cementing his legacy in the SIAC.”
