Jacoby Jones game at the last Super Bowl in New Orleans is etched in NFL history... before his death at just 40. His mom, his greatest fan, gives a powerful, heart-breaking insight into her beautiful boy

The curved white roof of Caesars Superdome is visible from the corner of Xavier South where, on the third floor of this 'one-stop shop' for students, Emily London-Jones is sitting behind her desk. She is officially retired. But she recently decided to return 'home' from living and working in Alabama. Back to work as Xavier University as director of innovations. Back to New Orleans. Back to where her son was born and where his legend was made.

Twelve years have passed since the Superdome was plunged into darkness and Jacoby Jones lit up Super Bowl XLVII. That game is remembered for a 34-minute blackout after the receiver caught a 56-yard touchdown pass and then scored an 108-yard kick return as the Baltimore Ravens beat the San Francisco 49ers. It remains a Super Bowl record. And it proved the crowning moment of a life that was cut so tragically short. Last July, at the age of just 40, Jones died in his sleep. The former Texans and Ravens star was killed in New Orleans by hypertensive cardiovascular disease, which can affect people with untreated high blood pressure. He left behind a bereft mother and a young son.

'I was numb,' London-Jones tells DailyMail.com. 'He wasn't just my son, he was my best friend.' They spoke several times every day; her New Orleans home is filled with memorabilia and memories of Jacoby. London-Jones sniffs and scrunches a tissue in her hand as she heads down memory lane. Before long, tears have turned her eyes bloodshot. Emily London-Jones, the mom of Jacoby Jones, has spoken about the tragic death of her son.

Jones' mother and his young son embrace during a memorial service to the late Ravens star. 'I pray every day, I have a picture of him and I look for strength,' London-Jones says, her soft voice breaking. 'A lady told me: 'Don't cry, because if you cry, he's not happy.' And I try to be strong enough to do that.'. But? 'It's hard,' she admits. 'I wasn't supposed to have kids and God gave me 40 years with him… wonderful years.'.

London-Jones is wearing a couple of silver bracelets on her right wrist. Two silver necklaces hang around her neck and pinned to her chest is a silver badge. She had it specially made after her son's death. It carries the No 12 – Jacoby's number when he lifted the Vince Lombardi Trophy. London-Jones still has his full uniform from that night. He bought her a Super Bowl ring of her own. This week, the Eagles and the Chiefs are in New Orleans for the first Super Bowl here since 2013. London-Jones isn't sure whether she can face another trip to the Superdome.

The ex-Texans and Ravens star died in New Orleans from hypertensive cardiovascular disease. 'He wasn't just my son, he was my best friend,' London-Jones told DailyMail.com this week. Jones was the hero of the last Super Bowl in New Orleans, when the Ravens beat the 493ers. Twelve years ago, the family were forced to pay $1,000 just for Jacoby Jr's ticket. He was only six months old back then. His grandmother grabbed him and started screaming after Jones' first touchdown. 'Then when he ran that ball back… Oh my god. I think I stopped breathing!'.

Emily was with her grandson again last weekend. In the months since Jacoby's death, he has helped to fill a void. 'That's my other part, that other heartbeat, that's part of his dad,' she says. 'I'm sorry, I get a little teary-eyed… I try to be strong in front of him, but it's hard sometimes, because when he breaks down, I break down.'. 'I pray every day, I have a picture of him and I look for strength,' London-Jones said.

Her New Orleans home is filled with memorabilia and memories of Jones' NFL career. London-Jones barely a missed a game of her son's career, which included a Super Bowl win. At Jacoby Jr's mother's house, his room is decked out with memorabilia from Jones' career. London-Jones has a house in Houston, too, and she recently converted his bedroom there - using Jones' old possessions. 'He wanted to keep his dad's furniture… he feels like he's around him,' she says. 'His dad had this huge California king bed… I guess he just feels comfortable laying in that bed, knowing that's his dad's bed.'.

Her voice quivers. 'My grandson told me… and this was maybe a little bit before (Jacoby) passed. He told my grandson: 'Your grandmother is a strong woman.' And it meant a lot to me, because I know I did my best.' But? 'At that moment, I was not strong. Because I was missing him.'. Jacoby Jr. and Sr. used to 'clown around… like two little boys'. The former NFL star once woke his son by drenching him in cold water. Junior got his revenge by pouring hot sauce into his dad's mouth.

When the lights went out during the Super Bowl, he was instructed to stretch. Instead, he played tag. Jones always was a prankster. He was also an only child to a divorced mother who ran with him - along the stands – whenever he caught the ball or raced track. 'Move out the way! Here she comes!' people would shout. Coaches would ask: 'What was your time, Emily? Or how many yards did you run?' Now they ask: 'Are you're going to do this with Little Jacoby? I say, 'I can't do it - my knees are too bad!'.