Jacoby Jones, the New Orleans native and former NFL player, passed away due to hypertensive cardiovascular disease, with the manner of death ruled natural, according to the Orleans Parish coroner.
Hypertensive heart disease, resulting from unmanaged high blood pressure, puts significant strain on the heart and can lead to heart failure.
Jacoby Jones, who passed away in New Orleans East on July 14, was a key player for the Baltimore Ravens, contributing crucially to their Super Bowl victory.
Jacoby Jones, who was 40, was drafted by the Houston Texans in 2007 and played there for four years before joining the Baltimore Ravens from 2012 to 2014.
During his time with the Ravens, he was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2012 and is especially remembered for the “Mile-High Miracle.”
This memorable play was a 70-yard game-tying touchdown catch with under a minute left in the 2013 AFC Divisional playoff game against the Denver Broncos, leading the Ravens to a 38-35 victory in double overtime.
In Super Bowl XLVII, Jacoby Jones made a significant impact with a 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, setting a Super Bowl record and giving the Baltimore Ravens a 22-point lead against the San Francisco 49ers. This play was one of his two touchdowns in the game.
Jones family issued the following statement last month following his passing:
“We are deeply saddened to share that Jacoby Jones, a beloved former Ravens football player from New Orleans and a proud graduate of a historically Black college has passed away at the age of 40.
We want to express our gratitude for all the kind thoughts and support you have shown us during this challenging time,” the family wrote. “Your ongoing support and respecting our privacy means a lot to us.”
The two former teams Jones played for also released statements:
“We are completely heartbroken to learn about the passing of Jacoby Jones. 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.” — The Baltimore Ravens.
“We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Jacoby Jones. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.” — The Houston Texans.
