Jacoby Jones' Dancing With The Stars costar Cheryl Burke says she's 'absolutely devastated' by his death at 40: 'You will be deeply missed'
- READ MORE: Super Bowl champion Jacoby Jones dead at 40
- READ MORE: Ravens head coach John Harbaugh leads tributes to Jacoby Jones
- Have YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.com
The former Dancing With The Stars pro Cheryl Burke shared her shock and sorrow on Sunday after learning that former show contestant and NFL player Jacoby Jones had died.
The 40-year-old dance and TV host clarified that Jacoby hadn't been her partner when he appeared on DWTS, but their time together behind the scenes still left her 'absolutely devastated' by his death.
Jones, a wide receiver, died on Sunday, and his family revealed that it happened 'peacefully at his home in New Orleans.'
'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,' Burke captioned a clip from the dancing competition featuring Jones with his dance partner Karina Smirnoff.
It was a trio dance, so Burke had joined the two as they lit up the dance floor while flames burst out on stage behind them.
The former Dancing With The Stars pro Cheryl Burke, 40, shared her shock and sorrow on Sunday after learning that former show contestant and NFL player Jacoby Jones had died; seen in September in Las Vegas, Nevada
Jones wasn't her partner, but she did join him and his partner Karina Smirnoff for a pasodoble trio dance during season 16 in 2013
'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.'
She added the hashtags '#ripjacoby' and '#gonetoosoon,' while also posting broken heart and dove emojis.
In the clip, Jones, Burke and Smirnoff were dressed in matching yellow to perform the pasodoble.
The NFL star appeared on season 16 of the long-running dance competition series in 2013, and he finished in an impressive third place.
While Jones' official cause of death has yet to be revealed, the Super Bowl champion 'passed away peacefully,' the NFLPA has revealed in a statement released on behalf of his family.
'In a statement, the Jones family confirmed that Jacoby Jones passed away peacefully at his home in New Orleans, Louisiana,' read the NFLPA statement. 'The family, including his mother, Emily and his son, Little Jacoby, are together and are asking for your prayers, privacy, and support as they navigate through this difficult time.'
Jones, whose 108-yard kickoff return in 2013 remains the longest touchdown in Super Bowl history, played for the Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, San Diego Chargers, and Pittsburgh Steelers between 2007 and 2015. He is best remembered for his contributions to the Ravens en route to Baltimore's Super Bowl XLVII victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
Jones' family also thanked the public for the outpouring of condolences they've received.
'We want to express our gratitude for all the kind thoughts and support you have shown us during this challenging time,' read the family statement. 'Your ongoing support and respecting our privacy means a lot to us.'
'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,' Cheryl captioned a clip of the fiery trio dance
'My heart aches for Jacoby and his family. My prayers are with you all. Rest in peace, Jacoby,' Burke wrote. 'You will be deeply missed'
The NFL star appeared on season 16 of the long-running dance competition series in 2013, and he finished in an impressive third place; Tom Bergeron, Smirnoff, Jones and Burke pictured
Jones 'passed away peacefully,' the NFLPA said in a statement released on behalf of his family
Tributes have poured in for the former wide receiver, who went on wider fame in Dancing with the Stars.
Taking to X, JJ Watt wrote: 'Jacoby was one of the most fun-loving teammates and people I've ever been around. Always dancing and laughing, with a permanent smile on his face. Gone far, far too soon.'
Pat McAfee added: 'Jacoby Jones was an absolute legend. He was beloved by literally everybody he met and lit up every room he walked into.'
Torrey Smith, who won the Super Bowl with Jones in 2013, said: 'My brother! I thank God for the memories and your impact on this world. You were 1 of 1!
'Your play on the field and jokes will live on forever! We have Momma Jones [and] Lil Coby's back for life! This one hurt me man! We are going to miss you! Love you bro!'
It has been reported that Jones died overnight at his home in New Orleans, just three days after his 40th birthday. He is survived by one teenage son, named Coby.
News of his death was confirmed shortly before midday, when the NFL tweeted: 'The NFL is heartbroken to hear of the passing of Super Bowl champion Jacoby Jones. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.'
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh also released a statement, which read: 'I loved Jacoby Jones. We all did. His spirit, enthusiasm and love for people were powerful. He was a light. He was the cherished son of his loving mom, Ms Emily. They were so close. He was a man of faith.
'My favorite football play was when Jacoby was talking to his mom in the end zone, just before a late-game kickoff return against the Vikings in a snowstorm shootout. Jacoby then raced to catch the ball and run it back for a touchdown.
Jones finished his impressive NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2015
Pat McAfee and JJ Watt paid tribute to Jones within hours of the news coming out
'My favorite Jacoby personal moment was every time I saw his smiling face full of Joy. Rest in peace, Jacoby, in the arms of Jesus.'
Jones grew up in New Orleans — his house was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina — and he was drafted by the Houston Texans in 2007.
He went on to play five seasons in Houston, before moving on to Baltimore, where he won the Super Bowl in his first season.
The most memorable play of his career came against the San Francisco 49ers, when he scored a Super Bowl-record 108-yard kick return for a touchdown.
