Ravens Super Bowl hero Jacoby Jones passes away suddenly at 40

The Baltimore Ravens family suffered a crushing loss on Sunday morning. Wide receiver and kick returner Jacoby Jones, who became famous for his splendid play in Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers, passed away suddenly at just 40 years old.

At time of writing, no cause of death has been named. Just a few months before his passing, Jones was continuing his second career as a coach after being named both head coach and offensive coordinator of the upstart Beaumont Renegades.

Jones was the ultimate unheralded success story, as he went from Division II Lane College to a productive career with the Houston Texans. What made him a legend, however, was his time as a receiver and returner for a champion Ravens team.

Baltimore Ravens legend Jacoby Jones passes away at 40

Jones was the team's No. 3 receiver in Joe Flacco's formative years, but he made an impact as a returner by tallying five different return touchdowns in the regular season. His speed and playmaking were on display in the 2012 postseason, where he became an immortal.

Jones was on the receiving end of the famed "Mile High Miracle" 70-yard touchdown that helped Baltimore upset Peyton Manning's Denver Broncos on the road. In the Super Bowl against San Francisco, Jones made his first big play by catching a 56-yard touchdown from Flacco in the second quarter.

Later in the game, Jones' signature play took center stage. Jones ran the opening kickoff of the second half back 108 yards for a touchdown, becoming the longest play in postseason history and playing a part in helping the Ravens squeeze out a 34-31 victory. Jones was let go after 2014.

Jones had begun a second career as a coach, stopping at HBCUs like Morgan State to coach tight ends and Alabama State to lead the wide receivers.

Every Ravens fan will remember that image of Jones streaking down the sideline and finding paydirt for the rest of their lives, as it was an indelible moment from a first-class player and person. Ebony Bird sends our condolences to Jones' family and anyone grieving in this difficult time.