By Darin Before he was a staple of the San Francisco 49ers’ West Coast offense, Brent Jones was a versatile force at Santa Clara University. His transition from wide receiver to tight end didn’t just change his career trajectory—it helped redefine the position for a generation of football fans.
Football Bio
February 12, 1963 – Santa Clara, California – The tough tight end from Santa Clara University, Brent Jones, was born. The National Football Foundation website indicates that Brent started in college as a wide receiver but later switched to tight end. This proved to be a great move, as Jones had the skill set for both positions at his disposal. In 1985, Brent was selected as an All-American, and his career totals show he caught 137 passes for 2,267 yards and 24 touchdowns. Brent Jones was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2002 after the National Football Foundation tallied its votes. Brent entered the NFL after school with the 49ers and played for 12 years, earning All-Pro honors 4 times.
Conclusion
Brent Jones’s journey from a local Santa Clara talent to a three-time Super Bowl champion remains one of the most celebrated stories in Bay Area sports history. By blending the hands of a wide receiver with the grit of a traditional blocker, Jones became a prototype for the modern “move” tight end. His legacy is permanently etched in both the College Football and San Francisco 49ers Halls of Fame, serving as a testament to the power of versatility and hard work.
Accolades & Accomplishments
Collegiate (Santa Clara Broncos)
- College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2002)
- First-Team All-American (1985)
- WFC Offensive Player of the Year (1985)
- 3× First-Team All-Western Football Conference (1983–1985)
- 2× WFC Champion
- NCAA Division II Football Team of the Quarter Century (1975–2000)
Professional (San Francisco 49ers)
- 3× Super Bowl Champion (XXIII, XXIV, XXIX)
- 4× Pro Bowl Selection (1992–1995)
- 3× All-Pro Selection (1992–1994)
- Bart Starr Award Winner (1998)
- San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame Inductee (2025)
- Career NFL Stats: 417 receptions, 5,195 yards, 33 touchdowns
