The former NFL wide receiver died at age 40
Cheryl Burke is paying tribute to former NFL wide receiver and ‘Dancing with the Stars’ contestant Jacoby Jones after he died at age 40.
On Sunday, July 14, the NFL Players Association and the Baltimore Ravens confirmed that Jacoby peacefully passed away at home in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Although Cheryl wasn’t partnered with Jacoby on ‘DWTS,’ she has fond memories of their time together on the show in 2013. They even performed the paso doble as a trio, alongside his dance partner, Karina Smirnoff.
Sharing a clip of their trio dance on Instagram, Cheryl wrote, “Absolutely devastated by the loss of my dear friend and fellow #dwts co-star, Jacoby Jones, who passed away in his sleep early this morning.”
“While we weren’t dance partners, I had the honor of sharing unforgettable moments with him, from being part of his trio dance to supporting his cherished foundation,” she continued.
“My heart aches for Jacoby and his family. My prayers are with you all. Rest in peace, Jacoby. You will be deeply missed. 💔🕊️ #ripjacoby #gonetoosoon,” Cheryl concluded. Jacoby finished in third place on season 16 of the show.
Cheryl’s message came as the NFL Players Association shared a tribute, saying, “The family, including his mother, Emily, and his son, Little Jacoby, are together and asking for your prayers, privacy, and support as they navigate this difficult time.”
The Baltimore Ravens also released a statement on their website, expressing that the organization is “completely heartbroken to learn about the passing of Jacoby Jones,” who was vital to the team’s second Super Bowl win in 2013.
“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 statement read.
It continued, “Jacoby will long be remembered not just for his success on the football field, but for the lasting personal connections he made with countless people in the Ravens organization, Baltimore community, and every area he called home. We share our deepest condolences with Jacoby’s family as we all begin to process this devastating loss.”
Before his time with the Ravens, Jacoby played for the Houston Texans for five years.
During the Ravens’ 2013 Super Bowl game against the San Francisco 49ers, which they won 34-31, Jacoby became the first player in Super Bowl history to score a receiving touchdown and a return touchdown in the same game, according to ESPN.
Jacoby, who spent nine seasons in the NFL, also played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the then-San Diego Chargers (now the Los Angeles Chargers).
