Jermaine Jones (American football)
Encyclopedia
Jermiane Jones is an Arena football
Defensive Specialist for the Dallas Desperados
of the Arena Football League. He was originally drafted in the fifth round (162nd overall) of the 1999 NFL Draft
by the New York Jets
. He played collegiately
at Northwestern State.
In his career, Jones has played for, the New York Jets, the Chicago Bears
, the New York Giants
, the Dallas Cowboys
, the Edmonton Eskimos
of the Canadian Football League
, and the Cleveland Browns
. He is a 12-time Defensive Player of the Game and a 2007 All-Arena Second Team selection.
at Central Catholic High School
in Morgan City, Louisiana
. He was also a two-time All-District selection during his four-year basketball
career.
as a true freshman, but was a walk-on with the basketball team. As a redshirt freshman, Jones played in every game as a reserve receiver and caught five passes for 114 yards. He was selected All-Southland Conference
second-team as a sophomore after winning the starting
job at cornerback
. Jones recorded 40 tackles
, eight passes defensed
and two interceptions
. As a junior, he was an All-Southland Conference first-team selection after finishing the season with 37 tackles, two sacks, 16 passes defensed, five interceptions and a fumble
recovery. Jones earned All-Southland Conference honors and was the league’s defensive player of the year as a senior at Northwestern State. He was a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award
, given to the top defensive player in NCAA Division I-AA ranks, registering 52 tackles, 21 passes defensed and a school record six interceptions for 232 yards and two touchdowns. Jones contributed 18 kickoff returns for 406 yards (22.6 avg.).
by the New York Jets
. He was released September 14, then signed to the Chicago Bears
practice squad on September 21. He was then signed to the Bears active roster on December 1, but did not play in the final four games. In July 2000, he was released by the Bears and on July 25, signed with by the New York Giants
. He was released by the Giants four days later and spent the season out of football. On January 31, 2000, Jones was signed by the Dallas Cowboys
, and recorded 12 tackles, two passes defensed and a fumble recovery during the preseason. He was released, however, at the end of training camp.
, of the Canadian Football League
, on September 14. He played in eight regular season games for Edmonton, recording 22 tackles, five passes defensed, two fumble recoveries, including a 79 yard return for a touchdown, and an interception. He recorded another four tackles in Edmonton’s only playoff game.
, Jones returned to training camp with the Eskimos but was released at the end of camp. He signed with the Dallas Desperados
on December 9, before signing with the Dallas Cowboys on December 11. Jones played on special teams against the Philadelphia Eagles
but recorded no stats. Then in 2003
, Jones went to camp with the Cleveland Browns
, but was released prior to the start of the season.
, despite missing the first quarter of the season, he put together a record-setting performance in his first indoor campaign, earning All-Rookie
honors after finishing the regular season with team records for tackles (73.5) and passes defensed (18). His 73.5 tackles ranked ninth in the league, while his 18 pass deflections was tied for 12th. Jones was placed on the Desperados Reserve/Exempt list December 11, after signing with the Cowboys. He was activated from Reserve/Exempt list on February 28 and made his Arena Football League debut two days later at the Arizona Rattlers
. In 2004
, Jones was leading or tied for the team lead in tackles nine times while finishing with a franchise record 74.5 tackles. He also recorded 14 passes defensed (tied for fifth in the league) and intercepted four (tied for eighth in the league). In 2005
, his third season in Dallas, Jones again proved his ability as he led the team in tackles for the third consecutive season (66.5) while also leading the team and finishing fifth in the league with six interceptions. His 126 interception return yards led the league while his three returns for touchdowns tied for the league lead and were a single-season career high. In 2006, Jones led the Desperados in tackles for the fourth consecutive season, posting a career-high and team record 99.5 tackles. He also finished fourth in the league in tackles. Jones recorded eight interceptions on the season, returning one for a touchdown, setting a franchise record for interceptions in a season. In 2007
, Jones finished with a team-best 87.5 tackles and seven interceptions with two interceptions returned for touchdowns to garner AFL All-Arena Second Team honors. In 2008
, Jones played in 14 games and recorded 56 total tackles, three interceptions for 30 yards and 12 passes broken up. He is now unemployed as the AFL is no longer.
and works with high school and college athletes to improve their strength, endurance and speed. Jones has participated in The Salvation Army
’s Angel Tree program, providing less fortunate children with clothes and toys for Christmas
and annually visits with youth participating in school visits as part of the Desperados Impact Player Program. He has twice served as a celebrity coach at the Dallas Cowboys
Let Us Play! Sports Camp for Girls, a three-day camp for inner-city girls served by Dallas area non-profit organizations that uses athletics as a tool to increase self-esteem
, physical fitness
and a desire for higher education
. Jones, along with his wife, Shanda, made pizzas in the Papa John’s Mobile Kitchen for the people displaced by Hurricane Katrina
. Jones has one child, a daughter, Amber born November 12, 2004.
Arena football
Arena football is a variety of gridiron football played by the Arena Football League . It is a proprietary game, the rights to which are owned by Gridiron Enterprises, and is played indoors on a smaller field than American or Canadian outdoor football, resulting in a faster and higher-scoring game....
Defensive Specialist for the Dallas Desperados
Dallas Desperados
The Dallas Desperados were a professional Arena Football team. The Desperados played in the Southern Division of the now-defunct Arena Football League from 2002 to 2008....
of the Arena Football League. He was originally drafted in the fifth round (162nd overall) of the 1999 NFL Draft
1999 NFL Draft
The 1999 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 17-18, 1999...
by the New York Jets
New York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. He played collegiately
College football
College football refers to American football played by teams of student athletes fielded by American universities, colleges, and military academies, or Canadian football played by teams of student athletes fielded by Canadian universities...
at Northwestern State.
In his career, Jones has played for, the New York Jets, the Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
, the New York Giants
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
, the Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
, the Edmonton Eskimos
Edmonton Eskimos
The Edmonton Eskimos are a Canadian football team based in Edmonton, Alberta. They currently play in the West Division of the Canadian Football League . Edmonton is currently the third-youngest franchise in the CFL, although there were clubs with the name Edmonton Eskimos as early as 1895...
of the Canadian Football League
Canadian Football League
The Canadian Football League or CFL is a professional sports league located in Canada. The CFL is the highest level of competition in Canadian football, a form of gridiron football closely related to American football....
, and the Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. He is a 12-time Defensive Player of the Game and a 2007 All-Arena Second Team selection.
High school career
Jones was an All-State and district offensive MVP as a seniorTwelfth grade
Twelfth grade or Senior year, or Grade Twelve, are the North American names for the final year of secondary school. In most countries students then graduate at age 17 or 18. In some countries, there is a thirteenth grade, while other countries do not have a 12th grade/year at all...
at Central Catholic High School
Central Catholic High School (Morgan City, Louisiana)
Central Catholic High School is a private, Roman Catholic high school in Morgan City, Louisiana. It is located in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.-Sporting programs:Central Catholic High School has a variety of sports, including:...
in Morgan City, Louisiana
Morgan City, Louisiana
Morgan City is a city in St. Martin and St. Mary parishes in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The population was 12,404 at the 2010 census....
. He was also a two-time All-District selection during his four-year basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
career.
College career
Jones attended Northwestern State, where he played both football and basketball. He redshirtedRedshirt (college sports)
Redshirt is a term used in American college athletics that refers to a delay or suspension of an athlete's participation in order to lengthen his or her period of eligibility...
as a true freshman, but was a walk-on with the basketball team. As a redshirt freshman, Jones played in every game as a reserve receiver and caught five passes for 114 yards. He was selected All-Southland Conference
Southland Conference
The Southland Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the south central United States. It participates in the NCAA's Division I for all sports; for football, it participates in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision...
second-team as a sophomore after winning the starting
Starting lineup
A starting lineup in sports is an official list of the set of players who will actively participate in the event when the game begins. The players in the starting lineup are commonly referred to as starters, whereas the others are substitutes or bench players.The starters are commonly the best...
job at cornerback
Cornerback
A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
. Jones recorded 40 tackles
Tackle (football move)
Most forms of football have a move known as a tackle. The primary purposes of tackling is to disposses an opponent of the ball, to stop the player from gaining ground towards goal or to stop them from carrying out what they intend....
, eight passes defensed
Pass deflected
In American football a pass deflected, also known as a pass defended, a pass defensed, a pass knock down, or a pass break up, is an incomplete pass that is caused by a defensive player...
and two interceptions
Interception (football)
An interception, intercept or pick is a move in many forms of football, including Canadian and American football, as well as rugby league, rugby union, Australian rules football and Gaelic football, which involves a pass, either by foot or hand, being caught by an opposition player, who usually...
. As a junior, he was an All-Southland Conference first-team selection after finishing the season with 37 tackles, two sacks, 16 passes defensed, five interceptions and a fumble
Fumble
A fumble in American and Canadian football occurs when a player, who has possession and control of the ball loses it before being downed or scoring. By rule, it is any act other than passing, kicking or successful handing that results in loss of player possession...
recovery. Jones earned All-Southland Conference honors and was the league’s defensive player of the year as a senior at Northwestern State. He was a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award
Buck Buchanan Award
The Buck Buchanan Award is awarded annually to the most outstanding defensive player in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision of college football, and was first given in 1995 after the Walter Payton Award was designated solely for offensive players.The trophy was named in honor of the...
, given to the top defensive player in NCAA Division I-AA ranks, registering 52 tackles, 21 passes defensed and a school record six interceptions for 232 yards and two touchdowns. Jones contributed 18 kickoff returns for 406 yards (22.6 avg.).
National Football League (1999 - 2001)
Jones was drafted in the fifth round (162nd overall) of the 1999 NFL Draft1999 NFL Draft
The 1999 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 17-18, 1999...
by the New York Jets
New York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. He was released September 14, then signed to the Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
practice squad on September 21. He was then signed to the Bears active roster on December 1, but did not play in the final four games. In July 2000, he was released by the Bears and on July 25, signed with by the New York Giants
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. He was released by the Giants four days later and spent the season out of football. On January 31, 2000, Jones was signed by the Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
, and recorded 12 tackles, two passes defensed and a fumble recovery during the preseason. He was released, however, at the end of training camp.
Canadian Football League (2001)
After being released by the Cowboys, Jones signed with the Edmonton EskimosEdmonton Eskimos
The Edmonton Eskimos are a Canadian football team based in Edmonton, Alberta. They currently play in the West Division of the Canadian Football League . Edmonton is currently the third-youngest franchise in the CFL, although there were clubs with the name Edmonton Eskimos as early as 1895...
, of the Canadian Football League
Canadian Football League
The Canadian Football League or CFL is a professional sports league located in Canada. The CFL is the highest level of competition in Canadian football, a form of gridiron football closely related to American football....
, on September 14. He played in eight regular season games for Edmonton, recording 22 tackles, five passes defensed, two fumble recoveries, including a 79 yard return for a touchdown, and an interception. He recorded another four tackles in Edmonton’s only playoff game.
Return to National Football League (2002)
In 20022002 NFL season
The 2002 NFL season was the 83rd regular season of the National Football League.The league went back to an even number of teams, expanding to 32 teams with the addition of the Houston Texans. The clubs were then realigned into eight divisions, four teams in each...
, Jones returned to training camp with the Eskimos but was released at the end of camp. He signed with the Dallas Desperados
Dallas Desperados
The Dallas Desperados were a professional Arena Football team. The Desperados played in the Southern Division of the now-defunct Arena Football League from 2002 to 2008....
on December 9, before signing with the Dallas Cowboys on December 11. Jones played on special teams against the Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
but recorded no stats. Then in 2003
2003 NFL season
-Milestones:The following teams and players set all-time NFL records during the season:-Team:-Individual:-Awards:-External Links:**-References:*NFL Record and Fact Book *...
, Jones went to camp with the Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, but was released prior to the start of the season.
Arena Football League (2003 - 2009)
Jones made his debut in the Arena Football League in 20032003 Arena Football League season
The 2003 Arena Football League season was the 17th season of the Arena Football League. The league champions were the Tampa Bay Storm, who defeated the Arizona Rattlers in ArenaBowl XVII. The AFL expanded its season to a 16-game schedule...
, despite missing the first quarter of the season, he put together a record-setting performance in his first indoor campaign, earning All-Rookie
Rookie
Rookie is a term for a person who is in his or her first year of play of their sport or has little or no professional experience. The term also has the more general meaning of anyone new to a profession, training or activity Rookie is a term for a person who is in his or her first year of play of...
honors after finishing the regular season with team records for tackles (73.5) and passes defensed (18). His 73.5 tackles ranked ninth in the league, while his 18 pass deflections was tied for 12th. Jones was placed on the Desperados Reserve/Exempt list December 11, after signing with the Cowboys. He was activated from Reserve/Exempt list on February 28 and made his Arena Football League debut two days later at the Arizona Rattlers
Arizona Rattlers
The Arizona Rattlers are a professional arena football team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Conference in the Arena Football League . The Rattlers were founded in 1992 as an expansion team. They play their home games at US Airways Center...
. In 2004
2004 Arena Football League season
The 2004 Arena Football League season was the 18th season of the Arena Football League. The league champions were the San Jose SaberCats, who defeated the Arizona Rattlers in ArenaBowl XVIII...
, Jones was leading or tied for the team lead in tackles nine times while finishing with a franchise record 74.5 tackles. He also recorded 14 passes defensed (tied for fifth in the league) and intercepted four (tied for eighth in the league). In 2005
2005 Arena Football League season
The 2005 Arena Football League season was the 19th season of the Arena Football League. The league champions were the Colorado Crush, who defeated the Georgia Force in ArenaBowl XIX. The AFL changed its playoff format to allow the top four teams per conference to make the playoffs. Previously, the...
, his third season in Dallas, Jones again proved his ability as he led the team in tackles for the third consecutive season (66.5) while also leading the team and finishing fifth in the league with six interceptions. His 126 interception return yards led the league while his three returns for touchdowns tied for the league lead and were a single-season career high. In 2006, Jones led the Desperados in tackles for the fourth consecutive season, posting a career-high and team record 99.5 tackles. He also finished fourth in the league in tackles. Jones recorded eight interceptions on the season, returning one for a touchdown, setting a franchise record for interceptions in a season. In 2007
2007 Dallas Desperados season
The 2007 Dallas Desperados season was the 6th season for the franchise. They look to make the playoffs again after finishing 2006 with an 13-3 record...
, Jones finished with a team-best 87.5 tackles and seven interceptions with two interceptions returned for touchdowns to garner AFL All-Arena Second Team honors. In 2008
2008 Dallas Desperados season
The 2008 Dallas Desperados season is the seventh season for the franchise. The Desperados finished the regular season 12-4, but despite having the second best record in the National Conference, they made the playoffs as the 3rd seed because they did not win their division...
, Jones played in 14 games and recorded 56 total tackles, three interceptions for 30 yards and 12 passes broken up. He is now unemployed as the AFL is no longer.
Career Statistics
| Career Defensive Statistics | ||||||||||||
| Year | Team | G | Tack Tackle (football move) Most forms of football have a move known as a tackle. The primary purposes of tackling is to disposses an opponent of the ball, to stop the player from gaining ground towards goal or to stop them from carrying out what they intend.... |
Solo | Ast | sack Quarterback sack In American football and Canadian football, a sack occurs when the quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage before he can throw a forward pass, or when the quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage in the "pocket" and the intent of what he was going to do is unclear... |
FF Fumble A fumble in American and Canadian football occurs when a player, who has possession and control of the ball loses it before being downed or scoring. By rule, it is any act other than passing, kicking or successful handing that results in loss of player possession... |
FR | Int Interception (football) An interception, intercept or pick is a move in many forms of football, including Canadian and American football, as well as rugby league, rugby union, Australian rules football and Gaelic football, which involves a pass, either by foot or hand, being caught by an opposition player, who usually... |
Yds | TD Touchdown A touchdown is a means of scoring in American and Canadian football. Whether running, passing, returning a kickoff or punt, or recovering a turnover, a team scores a touchdown by advancing the ball into the opponent's end zone.-Description:... |
Pass Def. |
| 2003 2003 Arena Football League season The 2003 Arena Football League season was the 17th season of the Arena Football League. The league champions were the Tampa Bay Storm, who defeated the Arizona Rattlers in ArenaBowl XVII. The AFL expanded its season to a 16-game schedule... |
Dallas Desperados | 13 | 68 | 57 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 45 | 1 | 18 |
| 2004 2004 Arena Football League season The 2004 Arena Football League season was the 18th season of the Arena Football League. The league champions were the San Jose SaberCats, who defeated the Arizona Rattlers in ArenaBowl XVIII... |
Dallas Desperados | 16 | 70 | 60 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 0 | 13 |
| 2005 2005 Arena Football League season The 2005 Arena Football League season was the 19th season of the Arena Football League. The league champions were the Colorado Crush, who defeated the Georgia Force in ArenaBowl XIX. The AFL changed its playoff format to allow the top four teams per conference to make the playoffs. Previously, the... |
Dallas Desperados | 15 | 63 | 56 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 126 | 3 | 17 |
| 2006 2006 Arena Football League season The 2006 Arena Football League season was the 20th season of the Arena Football League. The league champions were the Chicago Rush, who defeated the Orlando Predators in ArenaBowl XX.... |
Dallas Desperados | 18 | 98 | 95 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 84 | 1 | 15 |
| 2007 2007 Arena Football League season The 2007 Arena Football League season was the 21st season of the Arena Football League. The regular season began play on March 1, 2007 and concluded on June 25... |
Dallas Desperados 2007 Dallas Desperados season The 2007 Dallas Desperados season was the 6th season for the franchise. They look to make the playoffs again after finishing 2006 with an 13-3 record... |
17 | 82 | 71 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 71 | 2 | 22 |
| 2008 2008 Arena Football League season The 2008 Arena Football League season was the 22nd season of the Arena Football League and final season before the 2009 cancellation. The regular season began play on February 29, 2008 and concluded on June 22... |
Dallas Desperados 2008 Dallas Desperados season The 2008 Dallas Desperados season is the seventh season for the franchise. The Desperados finished the regular season 12-4, but despite having the second best record in the National Conference, they made the playoffs as the 3rd seed because they did not win their division... |
14 | 56 | 42 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 30 | 0 | 12 |
| Total | 106 | 448 | 379 | 53 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 29 | 363 | 7 | 97 |
Personal life
During the offseason, Jones runs a training clinic in LouisianaLouisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
and works with high school and college athletes to improve their strength, endurance and speed. Jones has participated in The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is a Protestant Christian church known for its thrift stores and charity work. It is an international movement that currently works in over a hundred countries....
’s Angel Tree program, providing less fortunate children with clothes and toys for Christmas
Christmas
Christmas or Christmas Day is an annual holiday generally celebrated on December 25 by billions of people around the world. It is a Christian feast that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, liturgically closing the Advent season and initiating the season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days...
and annually visits with youth participating in school visits as part of the Desperados Impact Player Program. He has twice served as a celebrity coach at the Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
Let Us Play! Sports Camp for Girls, a three-day camp for inner-city girls served by Dallas area non-profit organizations that uses athletics as a tool to increase self-esteem
Self-esteem
Self-esteem is a term in psychology to reflect a person's overall evaluation or appraisal of his or her own worth. Self-esteem encompasses beliefs and emotions such as triumph, despair, pride and shame: some would distinguish how 'the self-concept is what we think about the self; self-esteem, the...
, physical fitness
Physical fitness
Physical fitness comprises two related concepts: general fitness , and specific fitness...
and a desire for higher education
Higher education
Higher, post-secondary, tertiary, or third level education refers to the stage of learning that occurs at universities, academies, colleges, seminaries, and institutes of technology...
. Jones, along with his wife, Shanda, made pizzas in the Papa John’s Mobile Kitchen for the people displaced by Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was a powerful Atlantic hurricane. It is the costliest natural disaster, as well as one of the five deadliest hurricanes, in the history of the United States. Among recorded Atlantic hurricanes, it was the sixth strongest overall...
. Jones has one child, a daughter, Amber born November 12, 2004.