Cheryl Burke is “devastated” after the death of her “DWTS” co-star Jacoby Jones

Cheryl Burke pays tribute to former NFL wide receiver and Dancing with the stars Candidate Jacoby Jones after he died at the age of 40.

On Sunday, July 14, the NFL Players Association and the Baltimore Ravens confirmed that the athlete “passed away peacefully at his home in New Orleans, Louisiana.”

Although he did not work with Jones on DWTSBurke, 40, said she has special memories of his time on the show in 2013. She also danced the Paso Doble with Jones and his dance partner Karina Smirnoff.

Burke shared a clip of the trio’s performance on Instagram on Sunday, writing: “Absolutely devastated by the loss of my dear friend and #dwts co-star Jacoby Jones who passed away in his sleep early this morning.”

“Although we were not dance partners, I had the honor of sharing unforgettable moments with him, from participating in his trio dance to supporting his esteemed foundation,” said the professional dancer, who DWTS in November 2022, to be continued.

“My heart aches for Jacoby and his family. My prayers are with you all. Rest in peace Jacoby. You will be greatly missed. 💔🕊️ #restinpeacejacoby #goneimmediately,” Burke concluded of Jones, who finished third in season 16 of the show.

Burke’s post came alongside a tribute from the NFL Players Association shared on X (formerly known as Twitter): “The family, including his mother Emily and son Little Jacoby, are together and ask for your prayers, privacy and support as they get through this difficult time.”

The Baltimore Ravens also released a statement on their website saying the organization was “completely heartbroken by the passing of Jacoby Jones,” who played a key role in the team’s second Super Bowl victory in 2013.

“Jacoby had a unique ability to connect with everyone he met. His charisma, joy and love created a unique presence that could light up any room or brighten any dark day,” the statement said.

“Jacoby will long be remembered not only for his success on the football field, but for the lasting personal connections he made with countless people in the Ravens organization, the Baltimore community and every area he called home,” the message continued. “We extend our deepest condolences to Jacoby’s family as we all begin to process this devastating loss.”

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Before signing with the Ravens in 2012, Jones played for the Houston Texans for five years.

During the Ravens’ 2013 Super Bowl game against the San Francisco 49ers, which they won 34-31, Jones became the first player in Super Bowl history to score a receiving touchdown and a return touchdown in the same game, according to ESPN.

The athlete, who spent nine years in the NFL, also played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the then San Diego Chargers (now Los Angeles Chargers).