Alabama State football reactions to death of former coach Jacoby Jones

Former Alabama State wide receivers coach and NFL champion Jacoby Jones died on Sunday afternoon.

Jones was 40. According to the Baltimore Banner, the cause of death was not immediately available.

In nine NFL seasons, Jones had 203 catches for 2,733 yards and 14 touchdowns. He added 127 punt returns for four touchdowns and 183 kickoff returns for five touchdowns.

Jones was hired at Alabama State in 2022 and spent two seasons there. In his first year on the sidelines with the Hornets, they ranked fifth in passing offense in the SWAC. Earlier in 2024, he was hired by the Beaumont Renegades of American Indoor Football as offensive coordinator.

More:From the NFL to the HBCU sidelines: Jacoby Jones’ journey to coaching at Alabama State

After news of his death spread Sunday morning, tributes from around Hornet nation flooded social media.

“Peace and Love always Jacoby Jones. Condolences to your mother, son and family,” head coach Eddie Robinson Jr. wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “We will miss your laughter, smile and Friendship.”

“Alabama State Athletics is saddened to learn of the passing of Jacoby Jones,” the school said in a statement. ”Our thoughts and prayers are with Jacoby’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Former Alabama State quarterback Damon Stewart wrote his farewells to social media saying he recently spoke to Jones for his birthday.

“You messed me up with this one coach. We had just chopped it up this week for your birthday,” Stewart wrote. “This one hurts. Get ya rest coach, I am beyond blessed that the Lord allowed us to cross paths.”