Deacon Jones, Creator of Football’s Sack, Dies at 74
NFL Hall of Famer David “Deacon” Jones died from natural causes at his home in southern California Monday night. He was 74 years old.
The defensive end was most known for his tenacious tackling of quarterbacks, thereby creating the term “quarterback sack”. Jones was also known as a phenomenal pass rusher and well-respected leader.
He starred in the Los Angeles Rams’ “Fearsome Foursome” (along with Merlin Olson, Rosey Grier and Lamar Lundy) from 1961-71 and played with the San Diego Chargers for two years. He finished his career with the Washington Redskins in 1974.
Jones made the Pro Bowl every year from 1964 to 1970 and played in eight total Pro Bowls. Jones was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980 and was selected for the NFL’s 75th anniversary all-time team.
Sacks were not an official statistic until 1982, so it is unclear how many Jones had in his career. Unofficially, the Rams say that Jones had 159.5 sacks with Los Angeles and 173.5 in his career.
After his storied football career, Jones took up some small acting roles, including appearances on Bewitched and The Brady Bunch, and also made multiple trips to the Middle East to visit active military troops.
Here’s a look at how people around the Twittersphere are reacting to the death of a true legend:
Rest in Peace Deacon Jones & Thank You
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) June 4, 2013
RIP to my friend, mentor and idol Mr. Deacon Jones. Was always there for me from the beginning and led the way for all if us DE’s! #headslap
— Michael Strahan (@michaelstrahan) June 4, 2013
Damn the “Deacon” left us… Sleep in peace Deacon Jones you paved the way for us D-Linemen..
— Justin Francis(@J_FRANCIS91) June 4, 2013
My condolences 2 fam/friends of Rams great Deacon Jones! We appreciate ur contribution 2 game & person u were off the field! #restwJesus
— Kurt Warner (@kurt13warner) June 4, 2013
Reflecting & HONORING a true warrior & legend Deacon Jones. Thank you for blazing the trail so we all could soar. Your legacy lives forever
— Steven Jackson (@sj39) June 4, 2013
#rip deacon jones,one of the key foundations to this of this league #headslap
— Julian Edelman (@Edelman11) June 4, 2013
Got a lot of respect for Deacon Jones, the sackmaster. My prayers go out to him & family.
— Darrelle Revis (@Revis24) June 4, 2013
R.I.P Deacon Jones. Will always be thankful for him paving the way for us all. Gone but never forgotten!
— Christopher Clemons (@chrisclemons91) June 4, 2013
Even with his fellow Hall of Famers, Deacon Jones held a special status. He was an icon among the icons. (more)
— Roger Goodell (@nflcommish) June 4, 2013
Deacon Jones will be missed but alwaysremembered. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Elizabeth & the entire Jones family (end)
— Roger Goodell (@nflcommish) June 4, 2013
