Jermaine Jones

Jermaine Jones (born July 25, 1976) is an American former professional football defensive specialist in the Arena Football League (AFL) for the Dallas Desperados. He also was a member of the New York Jets, Chicago Bears, New York Giants, and Dallas Cowboys in the National Football League (NFL); and the Edmonton Eskimos in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at Northwestern State University.

Early life Jones attended at Central Catholic High School. As a senior, he received All-State and district offensive MVP honors. He was also a two-time All-District selection during his four-year basketball career.

College career Jones accepted a football scholarship from Northwestern State University, but was a walk-on with the basketball team.

As a redshirt freshman, he appeared in every game as a reserve wide receiver, catching 5 passes for 114 yards. As a sophomore, he was switched to cornerback and earned the starter job, making 40 tackles, 8 passes defensed and 2 interceptions, while receiving second-team All-Southland Conference honors.

As a junior, he collected 37 tackles, 5 interceptions, 2 sacks, 16 passes defensed and one fumble recovery, receiving All-Southland Conference honors.

As a senior, he recorded 52 tackles, 21 passes defensed (school record) and set a school record 6 interceptions for 232 return yards and 2 touchdowns. He also contributed 18 kickoff returns for 406 yards (22.6-yard average). Jones earned All-Southland Conference honors, was the league's defensive player of the year and was a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award, given to the top defensive player in the NCAA Division I-AA. His 44 career passes defensed set a school and conference record.

In 2013, he was selected to the Southland Conference's All-Time Football Team.

Professional career

National Football League (1999–2000) Jones was selected by the New York Jets in the fifth round (162nd overall) of the 1999 NFL draft. He appeared in one game before being released on September 5. On September 7, he was signed to the Jets' practice squad. He was released on September 14 to make room for cornerback Corey Sawyer.

On September 21, he was signed to the Chicago Bears' practice squad. He was promoted 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.

On July 25, he signed with the New York Giants. He was released by the Giants four days later on July 29 and spent the season out of football. On January 31, 2001, Jones was signed by the Dallas Cowboys, and recorded 12 tackles, two passes defensed and a fumble recovery during the preseason. He was released on September 2, 2001.

Canadian Football League (2001) On September 14, 2001, Jones signed with the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League, after his release from the Cowboys. He played in eight regular season games, recording 22 tackles, 5 passes defensed, one interception and 2 fumble recoveries, including one returned for a 79-yard touchdown. He posted another 4 tackles in Edmonton's only playoff game.

Return to National Football League (2002) In 2002, 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. On July 29, 2003, he was signed as a free agent by the Cleveland Browns. He was released on August 26.

Arena Football League (2003–2009) On December 10, 2002, he was signed by the Dallas Desperados of the Arena Football League, who were owned by Jerry Jones, who also owned the Dallas Cowboys.

Career statistics Career Defensive Statistics Year Team G Tack Solo Ast sack FF FR Int Yds TD Pass Def. 2003 Dallas Desperados 13 68 57 11 0 0 0 1 45 1 18 2004 Dallas Desperados 16 70 60 10 0 1 3 4 7 0 13 2005 Dallas Desperados 15 63 56 7 0 2 0 6 126 3 17 2006 Dallas Desperados 18 98 95 3 0 1 2 8 84 1 15 2007 Dallas Desperados 17 82 71 11 0 0 0 7 71 2 22 2008 Dallas Desperados 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 ran a training clinic in Louisiana and worked 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. Jones has one child, a daughter, Amber born November 12, 2004.