Super Bowl & NFL Star Jacoby Jones' Cause of Death at 40 Finally Revealed

Nearly a month after his passing, it has been confirmed that the NFL player died of natural causes.

On July 14, 2024, the world lost a talented football player when Jacoby Jones died at home while sleeping. The Lane College third-round draft pick was 40 when he passed away overnight, mere days after celebrating a big milestone. His family confirmed the news in a statement.

Jacoby's family said he died peacefully in New Orleans, Louisiana. "The family, including his mother, Emily, and his son, little Jacoby, are together and are asking for your prayers, privacy, and support as they navigate through this difficult time," the statement read.

Now that some time has passed since his family shared their statement, Jacoby's cause of death has been revealed.

According to TMZ Sports, the Super Bowl star died as a result of Hypertensive Cardiovascular Disease. Details released from the medical examiner, which were shared on Tuesday, August 6, disclosed that Jacoby's heart disease was caused by long-term high blood pressure.

Thus, they listed the manner of his death as natural. When the news of Jacoby's untimely death was first announced, tributes from his colleagues and fans began pouring in.

Jacoby's colleagues were among the first to mourn him. J.J. Watt, the Texans' football defensive end, took to X to share a picture of the late athlete in action. Alongside the image, he recalled, "Jacoby was one of the most fun-loving teammates and people I've ever been around."

J.J. said the late star was always laughing and dancing, and his smile was permanently on his face. "Gone far, far too soon," he added before signing off with "R.I.P Jacoby Jones."

Torrey Smith also honored Jacoby with several throwback pictures on X. He called the late athlete his "brother," thanking God for the memories they made and the impact Jacoby had on the world.

He described the late star as "1 of 1," noting how his field plays and jokes will "live on forever!" Torrey also shared that he and others would be looking after Emily and Jacoby's son forever before confessing that his death hurt him. Torrey concluded by saying Jacoby will be missed. "Love you bro!" read the end of his caption.

The Baltimore Ravens also released a statement saying they were "completely heartbroken" upon learning about Jacoby's death.

The team recalled how the athlete had the "unique ability" to connect with all those he came across. His joy, charisma, and love created a "one-of-a-kind presence" that lit up rooms and brightened dark days.

The Ravens said long after he's gone, Jacoby will be remembered for his successful career on the football field. They added that his lasting connections made in the Baltimore community, in the Ravens, and in the places he called home will also live on.

Additionally, the team offered support to his family by sharing their condolences with them as they all started processing the loss.

The Ravens' head coach, John Harbaugh, also gave a statement noting how he and all the others had "loved" Jacoby.

They loved his powerful enthusiasm, spirit, and the love he had for people. John described him as a light and the "cherished son" of his mother, whom the "man of faith" was very close to. The head coach even recalled one of his favorite football plays by the late athlete.

John remembered that on that day, just before the late-game kickoff return, Jacoby was in the end zone talking to his mother in a snowstorm shootout. He managed to run, catch the ball, and score a touchdown!

But John's personal favorite moment of Jacoby was every time he saw the star smiling and happy. He hoped the late athlete would rest in peace in Jesus' arms.

Ray Lewis, the Ravens Hall of Fame linebacker, also accompanied his X post with several photos of his late colleague. Just like Torrey, he called Jacoby his brother and revealed that he would 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," Ray further expressed.

Sharing a GIF of Jacoby scoring a goal and celebrating with a dance, Pat McAfee described him as "an absolute legend." He confirmed that everyone he met had loved the athlete who "lit up every room/field." "Rest easy my brother..we will miss your presence," he added.

Robert Griffin III also honored Jacoby with a picture of him celebrating on the field with his Ravens teammates. He sent prayers to the Super Bowl Champion's friends, family, and loved ones.

Calling the athlete a "Baltimore Ravens Legend," Robert described him as a "triple threat," who was fast, funny, and could dance. He also noted how Jacoby will be missed and that he was taken from them too soon.

Sharing a black-and-white image of the late athlete, the Houston Texans said they were "deeply saddened" to hear about his death. The team sent their thoughts and prayers to his family.

Jacoby's fans also shared their condolences and posted about him, with one parent sharing pictures on X of the star posing and interacting with her two sons. "RIP Jacoby[.] Gone too soon. Got to see him interact with the youth and my sons and seemed like [a] great guy," she wrote.

On the other hand, a sports fan who read J.J.'s post had a simple response—"Rest in peace." Another X user responded to the same post writing, "I'm shocked! He'll be missed by all football fans." Another netizen replied, "3 days after turning 40?! Inconceivable!"

In 2018, Jacoby started working as the wide receivers coach at Lane College. He coached Morgan State's tight ends and Calvert Hall High School's receivers in Baltimore before moving on. Jacoby was also hired as Alabama State's receivers coach in 2022.

Some people might also recall him partnering with Karina Smirnoff when he competed in "Dancing with the Stars." As some of his colleagues mentioned, he was good at dancing and reached the finals of the competition before nabbing third place.

Jacoby's death came on the heels of a recognition he had recently received. On July 10, a day before he celebrated his 40th birthday, he was inducted into the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Hall of Fame.

Apart from this, he is also in his alma mater's Hall of Fame and a Hall of Famer at Marion Abramson, which was his high school in New Orleans. RIP, dear Jacoby.