Status Retired CFL status International | Positions Defensive back Name Ed Jones | |
Date of birth (1952-06-29) June 29, 1952 (age 63) NFL draft 1975 / Round: 9 / Pick: 226 | ||
Ed Jones (born June 29, 1952 in Long Branch, New Jersey) is a former defensive back for the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League from 1976-1984. He won five Grey Cups for the Eskimos and was a CFL All-Star from 1979-1981. He also played with the Buffalo Bills in the National Football League. He played college football at Rutgers University.
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Early years
Jones didn't play organized football until attending Middletown High School in Navesink, New Jersey. He was a two-way player (running back and defensive back) that also was a key special teams performer. In 1969, before the state championships were played, he led his team to a 14-8 upset over Toms River South High School, by returning a 67-yard kickoff to set up a touchdown run and intercepting a pass to seal the win. The team finished with a 9-0 record.
He accepted a football scholarship from Rutgers University, where he became a three-year starter at cornerback. As a senior, he led the team with 7 interceptions and received All-East honors. His college career total was a school record 14 interceptions.
In 1990, he was inducted into the Rutgers Athletics Hall of Fame.
Dallas Cowboys
Jones was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the ninth round (226th overall) of the 1975 NFL Draft, also known as the Dirty Dozen draft. He was released before the start of the season.
Buffalo Bills
In 1975, he was signed by the Buffalo Bills and played in 12 games (11 starts) at strong safety, while missing 2 games with an arm injury. He registered 3 interceptions, one fumble recovery and received NFL All-rookie honors. On September 7, 1976, he was released, with some in the media reporting that a contract dispute was part of the reasoning.
Edmonton Eskimos
In 1976, he was signed by the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League after a five-day trial. He played in the last four regular-season games and in two playoff games. He was coached by Hugh Campbell and earned a reputation as one of the hardest hitters in the league.
Jones was selected 4 times to the West All-Stars (1978, 1979, 1980 and 1981) as well as 3 times to the CFL All-Stars (1979, 1980 and 1981). In 1980 he had his best season, leading the CFL with 10 interceptions (3 returned for touchdowns).
He helped the team win 5 Grey Cups during his nine-year career, finishing with 30 career interceptions, 5 fumble recoveries and 3.5 sacks. In 1984, he was traded to the BC Lions.
BC Lions
In 1984, he played in only 9 games because of injuries and had one interception. He was placed on the retired list on June 13.
Personal life
After his retirement, he worked in Edmonton's City Hall to provide affordable housing in the city. He served as the vice-president of the Eskimos Alumni.
In the 2014 CFL Draft, his son Derek was selected in the fourth round (29th overall) by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.