Jacoby Jones, one of the stars of Baltimore’s recent Super Bowl title race, has died at the age of 40

BALTIMORE (AP) — Former NFL receiver Jacoby Jones, whose 108-yard kickoff return in 2013 remains the longest touchdown in Super Bowl history, has died. He was 40 years old.

The Houston Texans, Jones’ team for the first five seasons of his career, announced his death on Sunday. a statement According to a press release from the NFL Players Association, he died at his home in New Orleans. A cause of death was not given.

Jones played for the Texans, Baltimore Ravens, San Diego Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers from 2007-2015 and made several key plays during the Ravens’ last Super Bowl title season.

Jones was an important part of Baltimore’s “Mile High Miracle” in a playoff game in Denver in January 2013. He caught a 70-yard touchdown pass The score was tied 31 seconds before the end of the fourth quarter. The Ravens eventually won in double overtime.

In this postseason’s Super Bowl against San Francisco, Jones caught a 56-yard touchdown pass from eventual MVP of the game, Joe Flacco. Then he ran 108 yards into the end zone to open the second half and give Baltimore a 28-6 lead. The Ravens held on and won 34-31.

This Super Bowl was played in New Orleans, where Jones grew up.

“My favorite play in football was when Jacoby was in the end zone talking to his mother just before a kickoff return against the Vikings in a blizzard shootout. Jacoby then ran to catch the ball and run it back for a touchdown,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. “My favorite personal moment with Jacoby was every time I saw his smiling face full of joy.”

Jones was named to the Associated Press All-Pro team as a kick returner for the 2012 season. Shortly thereafter, he appeared on “Dancing with the Stars.”

“Jacoby was one of the most fun-loving teammates and people I’ve ever known,” former Texans pass-rushing star JJ Watt said on social media. “He was always dancing and laughing and always had a smile on his face. He’s gone far, far too soon.”

In April, Jones became coach of the Beaumont Renegades, an arena football team in Texas.

“What you can say about him as a football player only scratches the surface of his humanity,” the Renegades said in a statement. “When you needed something, he was there. When you called him, he answered. It didn’t matter if you were a family member, a close friend, a player he coached, etc.”

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AP Sports Writer Kristie Rieken in Houston contributed to this report.

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