Homer Jones, a prominent wide receiver for the New York Giants and one of the fastest players in the history of professional football, passed away at the age of 82 in Pittsburg, Texas. His daughter, Lacarroll Jones Nickleberry, confirmed that he died from lung cancer at a hospital. Despite a brief seven-season career, which was mostly spent as a kick returner with the Cleveland Browns, Jones made a significant impact on the field. Between 1965 and 1969, he played for struggling Giant teams but still managed to become one of the most feared pass catchers in the National Football League (NFL).
Jones was known for his big-play ability, with more than half of his 36 career touchdowns coming from plays of 50 yards or more, including 10 of at least 70 yards. His 98-yard reception from quarterback Earl Morrall in 1966 stood as the longest touchdown for the Giants until Victor Cruz scored on a 99-yarder in 2011. With an impressive average of 22.3 yards per catch, Jones still holds the record for the highest yards per catch among receivers with at least 200 receptions, even after more than 50 years.
At 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, Jones possessed both size and speed. He was a world-class sprinter, clocking 9.3 seconds in the 100-yard dash. He was often compared to Bob Hayes, the Olympic champion and “world’s fastest human” who played for the Dallas Cowboys. It was debated which of the two was faster, but many believed that Jones had the advantage in football due to his larger size and strength. In fact, a race between the two was planned for the 1968 Pro Bowl, with a significant cash prize for the winner. However, the race was canceled to protect Jones from injury and to preserve the integrity of the event, thanks to the intervention of Giants’ owner Wellington Mara, who paid Jones not to participate.
Jones, along with Hayes, played a significant role in changing the strategy of the NFL as the passing game became more important. Their speed and athleticism made it difficult for defenses to keep up, leading to more widespread use of zone coverage rather than man-to-man. However, Jones also had a recognizable impact on the game in a different way. When he caught his first touchdown pass, he wanted to celebrate by throwing the ball into the stands. However, this practice was prohibited by the league, and players risked fines for breaking this rule. Instead, Jones threw the ball down hard onto the turf, creating what is now known as the original end-zone “spike.” This action paved the way for the elaborate end-zone celebrations that have become a staple of the game today.
Born on February 18, 1941, in Pittsburg, Texas, Jones grew up more interested in music than sports. He played the saxophone in the high school marching band before trying out for football in his senior year. At Texas Southern University, he excelled in both track and football, playing various positions such as linebacker, running back, and flanker. Despite a knee injury that affected his draft prospects, Jones was selected by the Houston Oilers in the American Football League’s fifth round and by the Giants in the 20th round of the NFL Draft in 1963. He chose to join the Oilers but was eventually cut from the team due to his knee injury. The Giants then signed him, arranged for his knee surgery, and patiently waited for his recovery. After appearing in a few games in 1964, Jones became a starting receiver in 1965 and quickly showcased his exceptional skills, averaging an impressive 27.3 yards per catch.
Unfortunately, Jones never played for a Giants team that achieved a winning record. However, his partnership with quarterback Fran Tarkenton was notable. Tarkenton, a star quarterback and future Hall of Famer, recognized Jones as a unique weapon with his size, speed, and incredible hands. In 1967 and 1968, Jones had his best seasons, leading all NFL receivers with 13 touchdowns in 1967 and adding seven more in 1968. He earned selections to the Pro Bowl in both seasons, making him the first Giant wide receiver to achieve this honor in nearly 40 years. Knee deterioration eventually ended Jones’s Giants career after the 1969 season, leading to his trade to the Cleveland Browns.
After retiring from football, Jones returned to Pittsburg and worked for a steel company for 20 years. He was survived by his daughter, Lacarroll Jones Nickleberry, and his other daughters, Erica Sanders and Marcie Bell, as well as his son, Charles Dumas, and sister, Patricia Bolton. In 2012, Jones expressed regret over starting the end-zone spike trend, as he witnessed the subsequent rise of elaborate and sometimes inappropriate celebrations. He believed it caused confusion and inappropriate behavior in the game.
In conclusion, Homer Jones was a remarkable athlete and one of the greatest receivers in Giants history. His speed, size, and big-play ability made him a feared opponent on the field. Beyond his on-field achievements, he inadvertently influenced the way the game is celebrated and played today. Despite his brief career, Jones’s impact on football and the Giants organization will be remembered for generations to come.
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