By Darin David “Deacon” Jones was never supposed to be a star. He was an obscure prospect from Mississippi Vocational School, noticed only because a Rams scout saw the 6’4”, 270-pound defensive tackle outrunning running backs in practice drills. That sixth-round “flier” paid off spectacularly, launching a dominant 14-season career that would redefine defensive end play in the NFL.
Football Bio
December 9, 1938 – Eatonville, Florida – Deacon Jones, the defensive end from Mississippi Vocational School, was born. Deacon was what the Pro Football Hall of Fame called an obscure pick by the LA Rams.
The Rams scouts were looking to see if they could find a hidden gem at running back or receiver when they went to watch Mississippi Vocational, when they noticed that a 6’-4″ 270-pound defensive tackle was out running the backs and wideouts in drills, so they took a sixth-round flier on him. Boy, did that pay off for the Rams, as Deacon played for 14 seasons in the League and was voted Defensive Player of the Year twice.
Jones was an All-NFL selection for 6 straight seasons and played in 8 Pro Bowls. Deacon Jones was selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the 1980 enshrinement class.
Conclusion
Deacon Jones’s career is a testament to the power of overlooked talent and sustained dominance. Starting as an obscure pick by the LA Rams, Jones transformed into an NFL icon, earning two Defensive Player of the Year awards and six consecutive All-NFL selections over his 14 seasons. His blend of size, speed, and skill made him arguably the most feared pass rusher of his era. This foundational figure of the game was rightfully recognized with his selection to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Birth Date: December 9, 1938 (Eatonville, Florida)
- College: Mississippi Vocational School (now Mississippi Valley State)
- Draft: 6th-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams (obscure selection)
- NFL Career: Played 14 seasons
- All-NFL Selection: 6 consecutive seasons
- Pro Bowl Appearances: 8
- Defensive Player of the Year: 2-time winner
- Pro Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1980
- Impact: Considered a pioneer of the defensive end position and known for coining the term “sack.”
