‘My Heart Aches‘: Cheryl Burke Says She’s ‘Abso...

Cheryl Burke is paying tribute to former NFL wide receiver and Dancing with the Stars contestant Jacoby Jones after he died at age 40

Published Time: 15.07.2024 - 16:31:04 Modified Time: 15.07.2024 - 16:31:04

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 Baltimore Ravensconfirmed the athlete had "passed away peacefully at his home in New Orleans, Louisiana."

Despite not being partnered with Jones on DWTS, Burke, 40, said she had special memories with him during his time on the show in 2013. She also joined Jones and his dance partner Karina Smirnoff to dance the paso doble.

Sharing a clip of the trio's performance on Instagram on Sunday, Burke 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," the professional dancer, who left DWTS in November 2022, 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," Burke concluded of Jones, who finished in third place on season 16 of the show.

Burke's post came as the NFL Players Association said in a tribute shared onX(formerly known as Twitter), "The family, including his mother, Emily, and his son, Little Jacoby, are together and asking for your prayers, privacy and support as they navigate through this difficult tim -

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The Baltimore Ravens also shared a statement on their website stating that the organization was "completely heartbroken to learn about the passing of Jacoby Jones," who played a major role in 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 said.

"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," the message added. "We share our deepest condolences with Jacoby's family as we all begin to process this devastating loss."

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Before signing with the Ravens in 2012, Jones 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, Jones became the first player in Super Bowl history to score a receiving touchdown and a return touchdown in the same game, perESPN.

The athlete, who spent nine years in the NFL, also played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the then-San Diego Chargers (now the Los Angeles Chargers).