Ravens Memories: What Happened To Jacoby Jones?

The Darren Waller news got me thinking about the Raven who wore the number 12 before him

Remember Jacoby Jones? He went from the Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl hero, to NFL obscurity. He made the transition pretty quickly too. The closest comparison I can conjure up is David Tyree. Tyree was the New York Giants’ receiver who pinned the football against his helmet for a last-minute drive saving catch in Super Bowl XLII.

Jones however did so much more for the Ravens than Tyree did for the Giants. Jones’s biggest accomplishment is hauling the 70 yard pass from Joe Flacco, to take the Denver Broncos to overtime. That play in the divisional round of the 2012 playoffs was incredibly memorable and it saved the Ravens Super Bowl run. But Jones also scored two touchdowns in the Super Bowl, including a record-setting kickoff return.

Oct 25, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Jacoby Jones (12) looks on from the field during the second half of the game against the Oakland Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium. Oakland won 37-29. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

Jones was one of the most important figures in the Ravens Super Bowl XLVII run; now he is unemployed. In 2012 and 2013 Jones had just over 40 receptions and 400 yards receiving. He was not a go to receiver, but his speed got him chances to make plays. In 2014 Jones had just nine receptions and he dropped a handful of passes.

To sum up the movement of Jones career since he signed with the Ravens is easy. When he enjoyed success as a kick and punt returner, he got more chances as a receiver. When his confidence as a receiver waned, it felt like his confidence as a return specialist did as well.

Jones signed a two-year $5.5 million contract with the San Diego Chargers in 2014. His tenure with the Bolts, did not last long as he was released half way through the season. The former Ravens star, went to the Pittsburgh Steelers for his next stop in the NFL. Jones fumbled on three returns and that was all she wrote for Jones in the Steel City.

It feels like Jones failed to build off the success of the Super Bowl glory for two reasons. First he was a kick returner who just happened to play receiver. Big plays at the receiver position gave him more chances to be part of the offense. He made some great plays but that is not what he was naturally great at. Secondly he seemingly lost all confidence. All the sudden he could not catch the football or hang on to it. Nobody was harder on Jones than himself and he unraveled on the football field.

Next: Could 4 Game Suspension Actually Help Darren Waller

There will always be a soft spot in the heart of any Ravens fan for Jones. He made some of the biggest plays in Ravens history. In the 2012 season, the Ravens won a game in Pittsburgh and a Jones punt return changed the game. The 2012 playoffs were a magic carpet ride for Jones and we all remember Mike Tomlin stepping into his way in 2013. Always remember the good times Jones gave to Baltimore.

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