Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans offered his condolences to Jacoby Jones’ family following his passing earlier this week.
DeMeco Ryans will remember Jacoby Jones for his infectious energy, advanced dance moves and ability to make anyone smile.
He’ll miss that trait about his former teammate and friend.
Jones, who spent five of his nine seasons with the Houston Texans, died peacefully at his home in New Orleans at the age of 40 earlier this week. At this time, no cause of death has been released.
Before taking questions following the first day of training camp, Ryans took time to send his condolences to the Jones family, espeically his mother, Miss Emily.
“He was fun to be around, lit up any room that he walked into with his great spirit, and he’ll be truly missed,” Ryans said. I was very saddened to hear the news of him passing. Just truly feel sorry for the family and for all of his teammates, all the lives he’s touched. Jacoby, I remember he always did a great job of working camps and working with kids, and he always did an excellent job of doing that. He’ll be missed.”
Jones, a third-round pick out of Lane College in 2007, joined Houston a year after Ryans won Defensive Rookie of the Year. The two remained friends after Ryans was traded to Philadelphia and Jones signed a new deal with the Ravens.
Ryans and Jones last met during Houston’s divisional-round matchup against Baltimore in January. Jones, who made history with the Ravens for his 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the Super Bowl win over the 49ers, was being honored as Baltimore’s “Legend of the Game.”
The Ravens would advance to the AFC Championship with a 34-10 win.
“That was a proud moment for me to see him there, honored by another organization and what he meant to them, along with what he meant to us here in Houston,” Ryans said. “To see him doing that with his son was a very special moment.”
Texans general manager Nick Caserio also gave his condolences to Jones’ family and mentioned how he was impressed with the returner’s skills while scouting for the Patriots.
“Jacoby was an athletic player, and it’s a great example of somebody who kind of came out of nowhere,” Caserio said. “You know, anybody that gets an opportunity, once you get the opportunity, it’s all about what you do with it, and Jacoby was a shining example of that.
“Anytime you lose anybody, it’s sad, but to lose somebody that young, certainly thoughts and prayers to his family.”
The Texans return to practice Friday morning.
