The Curvo de Caesars Superdome roof is visible from the corner of Xavier South, where, on the third floor of this 'Single Store' for the students, Emily London-Jones is sitting behind his desk.
She is officially withdrawn. But recently he decided to return to 'House' to live and work in Alabama. Back to work as the University of Xavier as director of Innovations. Back to New Orleans. Back where his son was born and where his legend was made.
They have spent twelve years since the Superdome immersed himself in the dark and Jacoby Jones illuminated the Super Bowl XLVII. That game is remembered for a blackout of 34 minutes after the receiver caught a 56 -yard touchdown pass and then scored a 108 -yard return when the Baltimore Ravens beat the San Francisco 49ers.
It is still a Super Bowl record. And proved to be the crowned moment of a life that was cut so tragically short. Last July, at the age of only 40, Jones died while sleeping. The former Texans and Ravens star was killed in New Orleans for hypertensive cardiovascular disease, which can affect people with unrelated high blood pressure. He left a mother devoid and a young son.
“I was numb,” says London-Jones Dailymail.com. “It wasn't just my son, he was my best friend.” They spoke several times every day; His New Orleans house is full of memories and memories of Jacoby.
London-Jones Olfate and wrinkles a handkerchief in his hand while heading through the memory lane. In a short time, tears have turned their eyes in the blood.
Emily London-Jones, Jacoby Jones' mother, has talked about the tragic death of her son
Jones' mother and her little son hug them during a commemorative service to the star of the deceased Ravens
“I pray every day, I have a photo of him and I look for strength,” says London-Jones, his soft voice that breaks. “A lady told me:” Don't cry, because if you cry, it's not happy. “And I try to be strong enough to do that.
But? “It's difficult,” he admits. “He was not supposed to have children and God gave me 40 years with him … wonderful years.”
London-Jones wears a couple of silver bracelets on their right wrist. Two silver necklaces hang around their neck and fastened to your chest there is a silver badge. He did it especially after his son's death.
It carries the number of the No 12 – Jacoby when he lifted the Vince Lombardi trophy. London-Jones still has his complete uniform of that night. He bought him a super bowl's ring.
This week, the Eagles and the Chiefs are in New Orleans for the first Super Bowl here since 2013. London-Jones is not sure if you can face another trip to the Superdome.
The former Texans and Ravens star died in New Orleans due to hypertensive cardiovascular disease
“It wasn't just my son, he was my best friend,” London-Jones told Dailymail.com this week
Jones was the last Super Bowl hero in New Orleans, when the Ravens beat the 493ers
Twelve years ago, the family was forced to pay $ 1,000 only for the Jacoby Jacoby ticket was only six months at that time.
His grandmother grabbed him and started screaming after Jones's first touchdown. 'Then, when that ball ran back … My God. I think I stopped breathing!
Emily was with her grandson again last weekend. In the months after Jacoby's death, he has helped fill a void. “That is my other part, that other beat, that's part of her father,” she says.
“I'm sorry, I have a little crying eyes … I try to be strong in front of him, but sometimes it is difficult, because when he breaks, I collapse.”
“I pray every day, I have a picture of him and I'm looking for strength,” London-Jones said
Your New Orleans house is full of memories and memories of the Jones NFL career
London-Jones just lost a game of his son's career, which included a victory in the Super Bowl
In Jacoby Jr's mother, his room is dressed in memories of Jones' career. London -Jones also has a house in Houston, and recently turned his room there, using the old possessions of Jones.
“He wanted to keep his father's furniture … he feels that he is close to him,” she says. “His father had this huge bed of King of California … I think he feels comfortable lying on that bed, knowing that this is his father's bed.”
His trembling voice. 'My grandson told me … and this was perhaps a little earlier (Jacoby) died. He told my grandson: “Your grandmother is a strong woman.” And it meant a lot for me, because I know I did my best. But? 'At that time, it was not strong. Because I missed him.
Jacoby Jr. and Mr. used to be 'clown … like two young children'. The former NFL star once woke her son soaking him in cold water. Junior avenged himself when pouncing spicy sauce in his father's mouth.
When the lights went out during the Super Bowl, he was told to stretch. Instead, he played label. Jones was always a joker. He was also a unique son of a divorced mother who ran with him, along the stands, every time he caught the ball or ran on track.
'Get out of the way! Here comes! People would shout. The coaches would ask: 'What was your time, Emily? Or how many yards did you run? Now they ask: 'Are you going to do this with Little Jacoby? I say: 'I can't do it, my knees are stabs!'
Jones' son plays basketball and football, sometimes as a receiver, just like his father. London-Jones took a photo: someone had found separate photos of Jacoby Jr. and SR and placed them next to each other.
“He is standing as his dad was.” London-Jones says. Both have their hands in their hips. 'I was like:' My God! '
The receiver celebrates its 108 -yard record return in the Superdome in its hometown
Jones is photographed with his son, Jacoby Jr., before his tragic death at the age of only 40 years
Among the memories inside the House of London-Jones are tickets of his Super Bowl victory
London-Jones use a NO 12 badge especially made in honor of his late son Jacoby
Jones spoke with his mother several times every day before his life was tragically cut
A Jones mural has been painted in the park where he grew up playing soccer from the park, but the most precious moments for his mother reached their long trips elsewhere. “When he and I would be, we just talked,” says London-Jones.
'He shared everything with me … (and) every event he was, or I did, was there. I only missed a game in the NFL and it was because I was in the hospital. I was trying to go and the doctors put me in the ICU not to leave.
London-Jones would communicate with his son from the stands. “He knew my whistle,” she says. Finally, however, his seat was transferred to the final area.
“Then he knew exactly where he was, he didn't have to do that … (I had) the pleasure of seeing him run to me with that ball.”
During a Ravens game, chief coach John Harbaugh saw Jones chatting with his mother before an initial serve. He shouted at the return, who turned around, caught him and ran back to a touchdown.
For London-Jones, his son's trip to the Superdome in 2013 began the previous year when he joined Baltimore. “This is Mother's Day,” he said, delivering a check. It was his signature bonus.
Two games in the season, London-Jones was introduced to Harbaugh. “I heard you're a great cook,” he said. They organized eating when Harbaugh was next in New Orleans.
A photo of Jones and his son Jacoby Jr hangs inside his mother's house in New Orleans
London -Jones used to run with him, along the stands, when he caught the ball or ran
“He shared everything with me … every event he was or I was there,” says London-Jones
A few months later, he cooked for the 180 Ravens players and the staff before Super Bowl Sunday.
In the menu? 'Gumbo, Jambalaya, lemon pepper chicken, bread pudding, stuffed peppers and macaroni with cheese cheese, which is Jacoby's favorite,' recalls London-Jones. “I had a SUV caravan with food that went to Hilton.”
He took a week to prepare, but he had fears that the players pay a price for eating such heavy food. “All of you will be lagging behind and lazy,” he recalls. “But without a doubt they were not … His super bowl record will never break.”
In Mardi Gras, after that glorious night, Jones was treated as a deity. Some fans asked him to kiss his baby. “I didn't know I was sharing it with the world,” she says. “He simply gave me chilling to say that this city loved my son so much.”
Then London-Jones promised to do everything possible to continue his son's legacy. “I couldn't turn my back and just go here.” She is bringing her children's football camps back and is working in scholarships in her name.
Jacoby used to take her mother to buy a bag she had been looking at for more than a year. Last weekend, he finally brought him home.
London-Jones was praying that the Ravens secured a touching return to the Super Bowl, back here, 12 years later.
“The world would have meant to me,” she says. “And I know my baby in heaven, I would have meant the world for him.”
Jones is photographed by returning a clearing during the Ravens Super Bowl victory against the 49ers
“That is my other part, that other beat, that's part of his father,” he says about his grandson
London-Jones said he was “numb” after his son died while sleeping with only 40 years
Instead, he only stays to remember those days in 2013. Some memories have never left it.
Among them? The 'Mile High Miracle', when Joe Flacco found Jones with a 70 -yard touchdown pass that tied with 31 seconds of the AFC divisional playoff in Denver. His mother was so wrapped against the cold that he did not realize who he had noted.
But London -Jones could not confuse what his son told him after reserving his place in the Super Bowl: “Mom, we are going home.” And what he said a few days later: in Mardi Gras, when she worried that fans too enthusiastic in New Orleans could endanger him.
“Mom,” he reassured him. “These people will save you … These people will save you.”