Jacoby Jones’ family asks for privacy and prayers in NFLPA statement

The family of Jacoby Jones has asked for privacy and prayers following news of the death of the former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver at the age of 40.

In a statement shared on Sunday, July 14, via X on behalf of Jones’ family, the NFL Players Association expressed the family’s “gratitude for all the kind thoughts and support” in the wake of Jones’ death.

“We are deeply saddened to announce that Jacoby Jones, a beloved former Ravens football player from New Orleans and proud graduate of a historically black college, has passed away at the age of 40,” the statement said.

“The Jones family has confirmed that Jacoby Jones passed away peacefully at his home in New Orleans, Louisiana,” they wrote. “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.”

Related: Stars react to the death of Super Bowl champion Jacoby Jones at the age of 40

Celebrities and former colleagues are remembering Jacoby Jones following the news of his death at the age of 40 on Sunday, July 14. The cause of death has not yet been announced. Jones, a standout Pro Bowler who was drafted in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft, showcased his athletic prowess with the Houston Texans, (…)

Jones was a key part of the Ravens’ Super Bowl XLVII victory over the San Francisco 49ers in 2013. In that game, he returned a kickoff 108 yards for a touchdown, the longest play in Super Bowl history. The Ravens narrowly won 34-31.

After his time in the NFL ended in 2017, Jones spent time as a college football coach at his alma mater Lane College and Morgan State. In 2022, he joined the staff at Alabama State University.

Jones’ death was mourned by many former NFL players and sports commentators. The Ravens issued a sad statement on Sunday about his passing.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jacoby Jones. Jacoby had a unique ability to connect with everyone he met. 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 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. We extend our deepest condolences to Jacoby’s family as we all begin to process this devastating loss.”

Related: Hollywood mourns several stars after unexpectedly tragic weekend

Hollywood mourned the loss of five stars over a tragic July weekend. It all began on Thursday, July 11, with the death of Shelley Duvall, who died in her sleep at her home in Blanco, Texas, at the age of 75. By the afternoon of Sunday, July 14, four more celebrities had died, making (…)

Head coach of the Ravens John Harbaugh praised Jones’ “spirit, enthusiasm and love for people” in a statement.

“He was a light. He was the beloved son of his loving mother, wife Emily. They were so close. He was a man of faith,” Harbaugh said Sunday. “My favorite personal Jacoby moment was every time I saw his smiling face full of joy. Rest in peace, Jacoby, in the arms of Jesus.”