The Ravens had training camp practice Saturday, but their minds were at times 1,000 miles away.
Ravens legend Jacoby Jones’ funeral was held Saturday in his native New Orleans. Jones passed away on July 14 at 40 years old.
Head Coach John Harbaugh said practice was dedicated to Jones. The Ravens handed out bandanas like Jones wore with the No. 12 on them to the team and gave fans No. 12 wristbands.
“A celebration of Jacoby Jones,” Harbaugh said. “We dedicated the practice today to Jacoby Jones because we got a chance to come out here and do what he loved to do so much.”
Harbaugh said it was quite fitting to have almost 50 youth football teams, including girls flag football teams, at Saturday’s practice.
“In honor of Jacoby and his amazing energy and smile and love for the game and love for life, we’ll dedicate that effort to him,” Harbaugh said.
Executive Vice President Ozzie Newsome, kicker Justin Tucker, and Senior Special Teams Coach Randy Brown were among those who attended Jones’ services. Former Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco also reportedly skipped a day at Indianapolis Colts practice to be there.
Ravens Assistant Head Coach/Pass Game Coordinator Chris Hewitt, who joined the Ravens as an assistant special teams coach in 2012 and coached the Pro Bowl returner, wore one of the bandanas.
Veteran nose tackle Michael Pierce ended his press conference with “rest in peace, Jacoby Jones.”