Deacon Jones (1938-2013)

NFL Hall Of Famer David ‘Deacon’ Jones, best known as a member of The L.A. Rams ‘Fearsome Foursome’ during the 60’s, passed away yesterday of natural causes at his home in Southern California. He was 74.

With the combination of size and great speed, Jones revolutionized the defensive end position with the ability to stop the run and more importantly, get to the quarterback, which he did often. He is credited for coming up with the phrase ‘the sack’, but since the NFL didn’t officially start recording sacks until 1982, it’s not official just how many sacks he recorded (it’s estimated between 190-194 including 26 in 1967). Jones’ trademark move was ‘The Head Slap’, which stun an offensive lineman for a moment, which was all that a man of Jones’ speed would need to get to the quarterback. Jones’ blows were so powerful that lineman’s ears would ring from the 2nd quarter on. When the NFL banned the head slap in 1977, it became known as ‘The Deacon Jones Rule’.

‘The Fearsome Foursome’, which included Jones, Merlin Olsen, Lamar Lundy and Rosey Grier, was one of the most dominant lines in NFL history and put the Los Angeles Rams – and West Coast football – on the national map. Jones was the line’s centerpiece: He would be named to six straight Pro Bowls from 1964-70 and played in eight overall. Their fame went beyond the football field – Grier, Olsen and Jones all branched out in TV, radio and film roles. Jones also had a brief singing career: his backing band was Night Shift, who would later become the multi-platnium selling group War. Jones also played for the San Diego Chargers and the Washington Redskins until he retired in 1974. He was named to the Pro Football Hall Of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 1980. Jones was also named to the NFL’s 75th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1994.

An athlete, actor, broadcaster, businessman, and humanitarian, Deacon Jones leaves behind a tremendous legacy on and off the field.