The New Orleans football camp that's keeping the memory of Super Bowl hero Jacoby Jones alive

Former NFL wide receiver Torrey Smith agreed to organize a youth football camp in New Orleans this summer to honor the wishes of Emily London-Jones, the mother of his late friend and former Baltimore Ravens teammate, Jacoby Jones. Smith restarted the camp after a 10-year absence, fulfilling London-Jones's desire to continue the Jacoby Jones Foundation's tradition, which ran from 2009 to 2015 to support Jones's hometown community.

Jacoby Jones, a New Orleans native who won Super Bowl XLVII with the Ravens and set an NFL record with a 108-yard kickoff return, died of a heart attack one year prior at age 40. On a Saturday in late May, Smith coached 317 children aged 8-14 at Pontchartrain Park, where Jones himself played youth football and which is near the Caesars Superdome where he achieved NFL success.

Following afternoon drills, Smith gathered the children, putting his arm around London-Jones, who had spent the day caring for attendees by overseeing meals and distributing free shoes and camp T-shirts. Smith emotionally reminded the group that the camp existed because London-Jones "birthed a legend," highlighting her efforts. The session concluded with the energetic kids breaking the huddle chanting "1-2-3, Jacoby!"

The event served as a memorial for Jones, with loved ones recalling his vibrant, energetic personality as if he were present. Friends and family traveled to participate, including former Ravens teammates Ray Rice and Bryan Hall who helped coach, alongside Smith. Greg Fassitt, Jones's high school friend and fellow Super Bowl winner, attended for the first time, describing the experience as "bittersweet" but meaningful for carrying on Jones's legacy and inspiring local children.

Attendees paid tribute through attire, with Jones's cousin Cantrelle Larkins Jr. wearing a replica of Jones's Marion Abramson High School jersey. Many wore Ravens gear, and camp organizers distributed No. 12 bandanas to the children, referencing Jones's signature playing days look.