By Darin Great teams start with a great center, and in the mid-1930s, few held the line better than Gomer Jones. A master of the “pivot” position during the golden era of Ohio State football, Jones transformed from a determined recruit into a consensus All-American and a celebrated captain. His journey didn’t end on the field; he channeled his gridiron intelligence into a coaching career that produced nearly a generation of elite linemen. Explore the life of the man who became a cornerstone of both Ohio State and College Football Hall of Fame history.
Football Bio
February 26, 1914 – Cleveland, Ohio – The stud center from the Ohio State University from 1933 through 1935, Gomer Jones celebrated his date of birth. The 1935 season was the culmination of all the learning and hard work Gomer had put in earlier, as he was the team captain, the team’s Most Valuable Player, and selected as an All-American by the NFF. The College Football Hall of Fame welcomed Gomer Jones’s football legacy into its museum in 1978. Jones coached at a handful of schools and nurtured 16 All-America linemen in his time teaching football.
Conclusion
Gomer Jones remains a towering figure in the annals of Ohio State athletics. By combining raw physical strength with a strategic mind, he earned the respect of his teammates as captain and the admiration of the nation as an All-American. His transition from an MVP player to a legendary mentor of linemen proves that his influence on the game stretched far beyond his own playing days. Jones’s legacy serves as a testament to the impact a dedicated leader can have on the sport of football, both on the line of scrimmage and from the sidelines.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted as a player in 1978.
- Consensus All-American: Earned first-team honors in 1935.
- Ohio State Team Captain: Led the Buckeyes during the 1935 season.
- Ohio State MVP: Voted the team’s Most Valuable Player in 1935.
- Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1978.
- Master Mentor: Coached and developed 16 All-American linemen during his coaching career.
- Head Coaching Tenure: Served as the head coach for the Oklahoma Sooners (1964–1965).
