Former Ravens WR Jacoby Jones died of heart disease, coroner says
BALTIMORE -- Former Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones died of hypertensive cardiovascular disease, according to the Orleans Parish Coroner's Office.
Jones, 40, died at his home in New Orleans on July 14, three days after his birthday. The coroner's office said Wednesday that a July 15 autopsy ruled Jones died of natural causes.
Jones, who played for the Baltimore Ravens from 2012 to 2014, had a memorable debut season in Baltimore.
He was named a Pro Bowl and All-Pro returner in 2012.
In the AFC Divisional Round of the playoffs against the Denver Broncos, Jones caught a 70-yard touchdown pass with 31 seconds remaining in regulation to tie the game at 35-35.
The Ravens won in the second overtime with a field goal by Justin Tucker.
Jones was a major performer during the franchise's historic playoff run that ended with a Super Bowl XLVII title.
Against the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl, Jones was the first player in Super Bowl History to score a receiving touchdown and a return touchdown in the same game, helping the Ravens win 34-31.
He returned a kickoff 108 yards for a touchdown and caught a 56-yard touchdown pass.
Jones's former teammates spoke about his death and the impact he had on them.
"My 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 @Ravens for life," Baltimore Ravens legend Ray Lewis said on X, formerly Twitter. "Love ya JJ."