NFL standout Jacoby Jones is set to receive a big HBCU honor. The former Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens receiver is set to be inducted into the SIAC Hall of Fame for his standout career at his alma mater Lane College. Jones joins Fort Valley State's Dr. Kimberly Dugger, Tuskegee's William King, Jr. and Frank Walker, Savannah State's Harold “Bobo” Hubbard and Mabel Sanders, and Benedict's Willie Washington in this year's Hall of Fame class.
SIAC Commissioner Dr. Anthony Holloman said, “It’s with great enthusiasm that we welcome the 2024 SIAC Hall of Fame Class. These individuals have distinguished themselves and left an indelible legacy of achievement in our conference.”
Jones played for Lane College from 2003 to 2006. Prior to Lane, he pursued a track scholarship at Southeastern Louisiana University in 2002. Later, he transferred to the HBCU in Jackson, Tennessee, where he excelled. Jones showcased his skills as an All-SIAC player in wide receiver and returner positions throughout his four-year tenure at Lane. Additionally, he joined Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.
Jones was drafted by the Houston Texans from Lane College in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft as the 73rd pick. He was with the Texans from 2007 to 2011 and later joined the Baltimore Ravens from 2012 to 2014, contributing to the team's Super Bowl XLVII win against the San Francisco 49ers. In his later years, he played for the San Diego Chargers and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Jones was a standout in the NFL, famed for two key moments during his time with the Ravens in their 2012 Super Bowl-winning season. He made a crucial 70-yard game-tying touchdown catch in the AFC Divisional playoff game against the Denver Broncos, propelling the Ravens to a 38–35 double-overtime victory. He also scored a 108-yard kickoff return touchdown in Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers, marking the longest play in Super Bowl history. Jones ended the game with two touchdowns – the kickoff return and a 56-yard reception.
He's had a fantastic life outside of the NFL as well. He competed on Dancing With The Stars, placing third place, and has been a football coach in the high school and college ranks for the past few years. He returned to be the wide receiver's coach at Lane College from 2018-2019 and then moved on to hold the same position at Calvert Hall College in 2020. In 2021, he served as tight ends coach at Morgan State University and most recently served as Wide Reciever's coach at Alabama State.
