Wednesday, 06 May 2026

    Deacon Jones

    • Contest: The US Athletics Hall of Fame - Athletes 2026
    • Embed from Getty Images
    • Sport(s): Football
    • Statistics & Accolades: 2 Defensive Player of the Year Awards (1967 & 1968)
      5 First Team All-Pros (1965, 1966, 1967, 1968 & 1969)
      8 Pro Bowls (1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970 & 1962)
      5 Quarterback Sack Titles (1964, 1965, 1967, 1968 & 1969)
      173.5 Quarterback Sacks
      15 Fumble Recoveries
      Member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
      Number retired by the Los Angeles Rams
      Named to the 1960s All-Decade Team
      Named to the NFL 100th Anniversary Team
    • It was Deacon Jones who came up with the term "Sacking the Quarterback,” and as such, his style of play revolutionized the idea of what a Defensive Player could be.  Jones helped make the idea of being a defensive player a star, and arguably, his entire career happened by accident, as he was a late-round (14th) pick chosen for his athleticism rather than his football skills. 

      Becoming what would be part of the Rams’ "Fearsome Foursome," Jones was a pass-rushing dynamo who would (unofficially) sack the QB 173.5 times, and "unofficially" led the NFL in five seasons.

      He was a five-time First-Team All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowl with Los Angeles and was quickly the star attraction of the organization.

      This was the man who made defense cool!

      We are proud to nominate Deacon Jones for the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.
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