Deacon Jones
Inducted:
1980
Player Stats
6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
272 lb (123 kg)
Born:
December 9, 1938
Eatonville, Florida, U.S.
Died:
June 3, 2013
Anaheim Hills, California, U.S.
Position:
Defensive end
College:
South Carolina State (1958)
Mississippi Valley State (1960)
Deacon Jones redefined defensive dominance in the NFL, earning his place among the greatest pass rushers in football history. Known as the “Secretary of Defense,” he revolutionized the art of sacking the quarterback and coined the very term “sack” itself. A fierce competitor and relentless force on the line, Jones anchored the Los Angeles Rams’ legendary “Fearsome Foursome” defensive front.
His explosive speed, power, and technique made him virtually unstoppable, terrorizing opposing offenses throughout the 1960s. Though sacks were not officially recorded during his career, modern research credits him with over 170 — a total that would rank among the all-time best. A two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and eight-time Pro Bowler, Jones combined skill, intelligence, and intimidation like few others.
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980, Deacon Jones remains a symbol of defensive excellence and the ultimate standard for pass rushers across generations.
Jones' Awards and Honors
- 2× NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1967, 1968)
- 5× First-team All-Pro (1965–1969)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (1964, 1970, 1972)
- 8× Pro Bowl (1964–1970, 1972)
- 5× NFL sacks leader (1964, 1965, 1967–1969)
Notable Achievements
- Coined the term “sack” for tackling the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage
- Estimated 21+ sacks in three separate seasons
- Leader of the Rams’ “Fearsome Foursome,” one of football’s greatest defensive lines
NFL Teams
Los Angeles Rams (1961–1971)
San Diego Chargers (1972–1973)
Washington Redskins (1974)
Number Worn:
75
NFL Stats
Seasons:
14 (1961–1974)
Games Played:
191
Game Started:
168
Interceptions:
2
Receiving Yards:
50
Sacks:
173.5
Fumble Recoveries:
15