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Former NFL wide receiver Jacoby Jones died at the age of 40.
Jones' family released a statement, noting he "passed away peacefully" at his home in New Orleans.
NFLPA @NFLPAA statement on behalf of the Jones family ➡️<br><br>His light, energy & presence will be so missed. We're thinking of Jacoby's family and Little Jacoby at this time. <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLPAFmrPlayers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFLPAFmrPlayers</a> <a href="https://t.co/ydPgJPN0Ye">pic.twitter.com/ydPgJPN0Ye</a>
Jones played for the Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers and San Diego Chargers during his career. The Ravens and Texans released statements following the former wide receiver's death:
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh released a statement as well and said, "I loved Jacoby Jones. We all did. His spirit, enthusiasm and love for people were powerful. He was a light. He was the cherished son of his loving mom, Ms. Emily. They were so close. He was a man of faith.
"... My favorite Jacoby personal moment was every time I saw his smiling face full of joy."
Harbaugh was one of many from the football world to offer their thoughts on Jones:
Ray Lewis @raylewisMy brother, you will truly be missed. They can't take the memories and the hard work you put in on and off the football field. You always gave back and always a pillar in the community, a <a href="https://twitter.com/Ravens?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ravens</a> for life 💜. Love ya JJ<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RL52?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RL52</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ray?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ray</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lewis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lewis</a> #52 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JacobyJones12?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JacobyJones12</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jacoby?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jacoby</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jones?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jones</a> #12… <a href="https://t.co/kfmb0DHHJb">pic.twitter.com/kfmb0DHHJb</a>
Torrey Smith @TorreySmithWRMy brother! I thank God for the memories and your impact on this world. You were 1 of 1 ! Your play on the field and jokes will live on forever! We have Momma Jones a Lil Coby's back for life! This one hurt me man! We are going to miss you!<br><br>Love you bro! <a href="https://t.co/r9MZKU4sqb">pic.twitter.com/r9MZKU4sqb</a>
Darius Butler @DariusJButlerThis Jacoby Jones news hurts man! If you ever met him it's a guarantee he made your day better. If you knew him, you LOVED him. <br><br>Amazing man that always showed up w/ incredible energy and a smile! <br><br>Gonna miss you 12! 🖤🕊️ <a href="https://t.co/Glt1rjwMzk">pic.twitter.com/Glt1rjwMzk</a>
Jones entered the NFL as a third-round draft pick of the Texans in 2007.
He played the first five years of his career in Houston during a stretch that saw him post a career-best 562 receiving yards in 2010. However, he made his biggest impact during his three years with the Ravens from 2012 to 2014.
Jones was a Pro Bowler and First-Team All-Pro selection during his first season with Baltimore and starred in the franchise's Super Bowl title to end that campaign.
His 108-yard kickoff return against the San Francisco 49ers marked the longest play in Super Bowl history, and he also became the first player in NFL history to score a touchdown on a kick return and reception in the same Super Bowl.
The Super Bowl was the highlight of an excellent season that saw him return two kickoffs for touchdowns and one punt for a touchdown.
In all, he had five kickoff returns for touchdowns and four punt returns for touchdowns during his career.
Jones turned to coaching following his playing career and was a wide receivers coach at his alma mater, Lane College, as well as a tight ends coach for Morgan State and a receivers coach for Alabama State.
The Beaumont Renegades, which are an indoor football team, hired him as a head coach and offensive coordinator this year.
"He was the best, he loved everyone," Sam Gordon, owner of the Renegades, said, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston. "I think one of the most important things is he was a man of God. He was proud of how much he loved and feared his God. What was most important to him after football was helping the next person in line. He was the most humble and kind person to anybody who gave him the time and needed the time from him."
