Clinton Jones - The Swift Spartan's...

Relive the dazzling career of Clinton Jones, the Michigan State standout and versatile NFL talent who left a lasting mark on the game.

Born on May 24, 1945, in Cleveland, Ohio, Clinton Jones burst onto the college football scene as a dynamic halfback for the Michigan State Spartans from 1964 to 1966. A two-time First Team All-American (1965, 1966), Jones was a pivotal player during a golden era for the Spartans, finishing sixth in the 1966 Heisman Trophy voting. His versatility was undeniable, earning him two-time consensus First Team All-Big Ten honors. Jones spearheaded Michigan State to consecutive Big Ten championships in 1965 and 1966, setting conference records with four rushing touchdowns and 268 rushing yards in a single game. Leading the Spartans in rushing during his junior and senior years, he concluded his stellar collegiate career as the school's second all-time leading rusher with 1,921 yards and 20 touchdowns. Under the guidance of College Football Hall of Fame coach Duffy Daugherty, and alongside future Hall of Famers Bubba Smith, Gene Washington, and George Webster, Jones helped Michigan State achieve a remarkable 19-1-1 record, including a Rose Bowl berth. The mid-1960s Spartans were a dominant force, claiming back-to-back national championships in 1965 and 1966. His legendary college career was commemorated with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015, joining his esteemed teammates and coach.

The Minnesota Vikings selected Jones as the second overall pick in the 1967 NFL Draft. He spent six seasons (1967-1972) with the Vikings, showcasing his athleticism and versatility as a running back. Jones played a crucial role in helping the Vikings reach Super Bowl IV. His NFL career concluded with one season with the San Diego Chargers in 1973. By the time he retired, Jones had amassed 2,178 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns, along with 38 receptions for 431 yards, totaling 5,035 all-purpose yards in his professional career.

Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats:

✦ 2x National Champion (College: 1965, 1966)

✦ Consensus First Team All-American (College: 1966)

✦ Second Team All-American (College: 1965)

✦ 2x First Team All-Big Ten (College: 1965, 1966)

✦ Heisman Trophy Finalist (6th place, 1966)

✦ College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2015)

✦ Michigan State University Athletics Hall of Fame (2012)

✦ NFL Champion (1969)

✦ NFL Career Stats: 87 Games, 602 Rushing Attempts, 2,178 Rushing Yards, 20 Rushing Touchdowns, 38 Receptions, 431 Receiving Yards, 1 Receiving Touchdown, 5,035 All-Purpose Yards