Leroy Jones

Leroy Jones (September 29, 1950 – June 11, 2021) was an American professional football player who was a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL) and Canadian Football League (CFL). He played the majority of his 11-year career with the San Diego Chargers (now Los Angeles) of the NFL.

Jones played both basketball and football in high school, and continued with both sports while attending college at Norfolk State University. He began his professional career in 1973 with the Edmonton Eskimos (now the Elks) in the CFL, where he spent three seasons. Jones was selected in the second round of the 1975 NFL draft by the Los Angeles Rams, who traded him in 1976 to San Diego, where he played through 1983.

Early life Jones was born and raised in Greenwood, Mississippi. At Amanda Elzy High School, he was a standout at both football and basketball, leading his teams to multiple championships. In 2011, The Greenwood Commonwealth named him one of the top 25 sports figures in the Greenwood area's history.

College career Jones attended Norfolk State University after being recruited by a coach who was a Greenwood native. Jones was the center on three Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) tournament basketball teams. He was named to the All-CIAA Tournament team each year.

Jones also played football for the Spartans, and he was named All-CIAA as a defensive end in 1971 and 1972. Before the 1973 football season, he learned that he would be academically ineligible to play due to poor grades. Jones dropped out of Norfolk State and signed a three-year contract to play football professionally in Canada. In 1983, he was a member of the inaugural class of Norfolk State's sports hall of fame.

Professional career Jones joined the Edmonton Eskimos in the Canadian Football League (CFL) as a taxi squad member in 1973, before being placed on a five-day tryout prior to the 61st Grey Cup. The following year, he led the team in tackles and sacks that season, as well as in the 62nd Grey Cup championship game. Ruled eligible for the 1975 NFL draft, In 1975, the Eskimos placed him on the injured reserve list in October. He was cut in November before the Western Football Conference championship game while still on the injured list. Edmonton won the 63rd Grey Cup that season with Bill Stevenson taking over Jones' former position at left defensive end.

The San Diego Chargers acquired Jones from the Rams in 1976 for a future draft choice. In 1980, he teamed with All-Pros Fred Dean, Gary "Big Hands" Johnson, and Louie Kelcher on the defensive line as the Chargers led the NFL in sacks (60). Jones that season had 12 sacks, second on the team behind Johnson's , and was named an alternate for the Pro Bowl. Don "Air" Coryell's Chargers teams of that era are mostly remembered for their high-scoring, pass-oriented offense. The Chargers won the AFC West from 1979–1981 and also qualified for the playoffs in 1982. Jones played as a backup in his final season in 1983.

Personal life Jones died at age 70 on June 11, 2021, in Casselberry, Florida.