Jacoby Jones, ex-NFL receiver who caught Mile High Miracle, dies aged 40 | Baltimore Ravens

Jacoby Jones, the former NFL wide receiver and special teams ace, has passed away at the age of 40. No cause of death was immediately announced.

“We are completely heartbroken to learn about the passing of Jacoby Jones,” the Ravens said in a statement on Sunday. “Jacoby had the unique ability to connect with everyone he encountered. His charisma, joy and love created a one-of-a-kind presence that could light up any room or brighten any dark day.”

Jones cemented his place in Baltimore and NFL history by catching a memorable 70-yard touchdown pass from Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, known as the “Mile High Miracle”, during the team’s Super Bowl run.

Facing a third-and-30 situation, Jones caught the game-tying pass from Flacco with 31 seconds left in the AFC divisional playoff game against the Broncos. The Ravens went on to win in double overtime.

Three weeks later, Jones made a 56-yard touchdown catch in the Super Bowl and added a 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, the longest in postseason history, against the 49ers.

“In the biggest game, on the biggest stage, he had his best game in his home town,” former Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome said when inducting Jones into the team’s Ring of Honor. “That’s surreal.”

Jones spent the first five years of his career with the Houston Texans before joining the Ravens, where he became a fan favorite and a key contributor on offense.

An All-Pro returner and Pro Bowl selection in 2012, Jones had a successful career with several teams before retiring with the Ravens in 2017. He later served as a receivers coach at Alabama State.

“I loved Jacoby Jones. We all did,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. “His spirit, enthusiasm and love for people were powerful. He was a light. My favorite Jacoby personal moment was every time I saw his smiling face full of joy.”