TV Cheryl Burke honors late friend and Dancing With the Stars costar Jacoby Jones Burke and Jones weren't partners on 'DWTS,' but they did share a trio dance By Maureen Lee Lenker Maureen Lee Lenker Maureen Lee Lenker is a senior writer at Entertainment Weekly with over seven years of experience in the entertainment industry. An award-winning journalist, she's written for Turner Classic Movies, Ms. Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, and more. She's worked at EW for six years covering film, TV, theater, music, and books. The author of EW's quarterly romance review column, "Hot Stuff," Maureen holds Master's degrees from both the University of Southern California and the University of Oxford. Her debut novel, It Happened One Fight, is now available. Follow her for all things related to classic Hollywood, musicals, the romance genre, and Bruce Springsteen. EW's editorial guidelines Published on July 15, 2024 05:25PM EDT Cheryl Burke is mourning the loss of a dear friend and former Dancing With the Stars costar. On Sunday, Burke shared a post honoring former contestant and NFL star, Jacoby Jones, who appeared on Season 16 of the ABC dancing competition. "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," Burke wrote on Instagram. Jones was partnered with Karina Smirnoff and ultimately came in third place that season, but Burke participated in a trio dance with the wide receiver. Alongside Jones and Smirnoff, Burke danced a Paso Doble to "La Virgen de la Macarena." She shared video of that 2013 dance in her social media post. Cheryl Burke thinks her podcast kept her from the Dancing With the Stars tribute to Len Goodman Cheryl Burke; Jacoby Jones. Monica Schipper/Getty; Craig Sjodin/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty "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," Burke continued. "My heart aches for Jacoby and his family. My prayers are with you all. Rest in peace, Jacoby. You will be deeply missed." Jones, who was only 40 years old, died peacefully at home in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, July 14, according to the NFL Players Association and the Baltimore Ravens, with whom he made major plays in the 2013 Super Bowl game. Cheryl Burke reveals her 3 Dancing With the Stars showmances The Ravens also posted a statement paying tribute to Jones. "We are completely heartbroken to learn about the passing of Jacoby Jones," they said. "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. 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. We share our deepest condolences with Jacoby's family as we all begin to process this devastating loss." Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more. During the 2013 Super Bowl, Jones became the first player in the Super Bowl's history to score a receiving touchdown and a return touchdown in the same game. Jones spent three seasons with the Ravens from 2012 to 2014. He also played for the Houston Texans, San Diego Chargers, and Pittsburgh Steelers during his nine years in the NFL.