Walter Jones (American football)

Last updated

Walter Jones
Walter-Jones-2008-11-02-vsEagles.jpg
Jones in November 2008
No. 71
Position: Offensive tackle
Personal information
Born: (1974-01-19) January 19, 1974 (age 50)
Aliceville, Alabama, U.S.
Height:6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight:325 lb (147 kg)
Career information
High school: Aliceville
College:
NFL draft: 1997  / Round: 1 / Pick: 6
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Games played:180
Games started:180
Fumbles recovered:3
Player stats at NFL.com  ·  PFR

Walter Jones Jr. (born January 19, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was an offensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons. Born in Alabama, he played college football for the Florida State Seminoles.

Contents

Jones played his entire professional career with the Seattle Seahawks, where he was a seven-time All-Pro selection and eventual NFL 2000s All-Decade Team honoree. Starting in each of his 180 games in Seattle, the Seahawks attempted more than 5,500 passes with Jones on the field, while Jones gave up a total of only 23 quarterback sacks, and was penalized for holding just nine times. On February 1, 2014, Jones was selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

College career

Jones attended Holmes Community College for two seasons, where he was named Mississippi Junior College Player of the Year by the Jackson Clarion-Ledger in 1994. Then 6′5″ (1.96 m) and 265 pounds (120 kg), Jones played both offensive tackle and tight end. He allowed one sack in two seasons.

After transferring to Florida State University, Jones played for coach Bobby Bowden's Seminoles teams in 1995 and 1996. He had to redshirt the 1995 season. As a junior in 1996, Jones started 11 games and the Sugar Bowl for the Seminoles and allowed one sack, subsequently earning second-team All-ACC honors. He decided to forgo his final year of college eligibility and enter the 1997 NFL draft. [1]

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeightArm lengthHand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump
6 ft 4+7⁄8 in
(1.95 m)		301 lb
(137 kg)		34+1⁄2 in
(0.88 m)		9+7⁄8 in
(0.25 m)		5.09 s1.84 s3.05 s4.73 s8.23 s30.5 in
(0.77 m)		9 ft 0 in
(2.74 m)
All values from NFL Combine [2] [3]

Jones was drafted by the Seahawks in the first round with the sixth overall pick in the 1997 NFL draft. [4] He started every game in which he played, beginning with his rookie season. Jones was a member of the 2005 Seahawks team that lost Super Bowl XL to the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 2006, Jones topped the list of the 101 best NFL players by the Sporting News.

Jones was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and seven-time All-Pro. Jones was perhaps the best at his position in the NFL during the early part of the decade, exemplified by being voted to the NFL's 2000s All-Decade Team.[ citation needed ] From 1998 through 2000, he helped Ricky Watters achieve three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons for the Seahawks and, later, paved the way for Shaun Alexander's NFL record-setting success.

Jones was recognized by John Madden as the best player in the NFL in 2004 in a broadcast. Madden recognized Jones in numerous broadcasts as the best left tackle in the NFL and possibly one of the best of all time.

Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren has called Jones the best offensive player he had ever coached. [5]

On Thanksgiving 2008, Jones succumbed to a knee injury playing against the Cowboys in his 180th and final game. [6] The injury required microfracture surgery to repair and immediately ended his season. Jones tried to play again in 2009 but was unsuccessful. On October 28, 2009, Jones was placed on injured reserve by the Seahawks. In a press conference the same day, Jones stated his intention to play in 2010. [7] On April 29, 2010, Jones announced on his Twitter account that he would retire.

The Seahawks announced the retirement of his number, 71, and governor Christine Gregoire declared April 30 to be "Walter Jones Day" in the state of Washington. [8]

On December 5, 2010, in a game versus the Carolina Panthers, in front of a crowd of over 66,000, the Seahawks honored the career of Jones by retiring his #71 jersey. This was only the second player number (#80 Steve Largent was the first) to be retired by the Seahawks (they have also retired #12 in honor of the fans).

On January 8, 2011, Jones lifted the 12th Man flag at Qwest Field before the Seahawks' wild card matchup against the New Orleans Saints. [9] The 7–9 Seahawks went on to defeat the defending Super Bowl champion Saints 41–36.

On February 2, 2014, Jones served as the Seahawks' honorary captain at Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, prior to their 43–8 victory over the Broncos. This coincided with his election onto the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He also helped former Giant and fellow Hall of Famer Michael Strahan toss the coin to end the pregame ceremonies.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Super Bowl XL</span> 2006 National Football League championship game

Super Bowl XL was an American football game between the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Seattle Seahawks and the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Pittsburgh Steelers to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 2005 season. The Steelers defeated the Seahawks by the score of 21–10. The game was played on February 5, 2006, at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. It is the most recent Super Bowl broadcast on ABC who lost the rights to broadcast Super Bowl games in the next NFL TV contract and the first where all aspects of the game itself were aired in HD. This was the last of 10 straight Super Bowls to feature a team seeking its first win.

Harry James Sharper Jr. is an American football coach and former player who most recently served as the linebackers coach for the DC Defenders of the United Football League (UFL). Sharper played professionally as a linebacker for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL), and played college football for the Virginia Cavaliers. He was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the second round of the 1997 NFL draft. Sharper spent five seasons in Baltimore, where he was part of the team that won the franchise's first Super Bowl in Super Bowl XXXV. In 2002, he was selected by the Houston Texans in their expansion draft and played three seasons with the team. During his final season in 2005, Sharper was a member of the Seattle Seahawks. He is the older brother of former safety Darren Sharper.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robert Gallery</span> American football player (born 1980)

Robert J. Gallery is an American former professional football player who was an offensive guard who played for eight seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Iowa and received unanimous All-American recognition. He was selected by the Oakland Raiders second overall in the 2004 NFL draft in the National Football League (NFL). He also played for the Seattle Seahawks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marcus Trufant</span> American football player (born 1980)

Marcus Lavon Trufant is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons. He played college football for Washington State Cougars, and was chosen by the Seattle Seahawks 11th overall in the 2003 NFL draft.

Grant Alden Wistrom is an American former professional football player who was a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons. Wistrom played college football for the Nebraska Cornhuskers and was a two-time All-American. He was selected in the first round of the 1998 NFL draft, and played in the NFL for the St. Louis Rams and Seattle Seahawks.

Michael Boulware is a former American football safety in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft and also played for the Houston Texans. He played college football at Florida State.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steve Hutchinson (American football)</span> American football player (born 1977)

Steven John Hutchinson is an American former football guard who played for twelve seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines, and was named a unanimous All-American. The Seattle Seahawks selected him in the first round of the 2001 NFL draft, and he also played for the Minnesota Vikings and the Tennessee Titans. A seven-time Pro Bowl selection, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Robinson (fullback)</span> American football player (born 1983)

Burton Michael Robinson is an American former football fullback who played in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL draft. He is currently an analyst for the NFL Network and NBC.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2005 Seattle Seahawks season</span> 30th season in franchise history; first Super Bowl appearance

The 2005 Seattle Seahawks season was the franchise's 30th season in the National Football League (NFL), their fourth playing their home games at Qwest Field and their seventh season under head coach Mike Holmgren. They won the National Football Conference (NFC) Championship Game and played in Super Bowl XL, which they lost 21–10 to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Seahawks compiled a 13–3 record in the regular season, easily winning the NFC West and earning the NFC top seed, thus clinching home field advantage in the NFC playoffs for the first time in franchise history. There, they beat the Washington Redskins and Carolina Panthers to win the George Halas Trophy, and advance to their first ever Super Bowl. Combining the regular season and postseason, the Seahawks finished with a perfect 10–0 record at Qwest Field. The 2005 team was widely considered the best team in club history until the Super Bowl XLVIII championship. The 2005 season was also the team's 30th anniversary season in the NFL. The Seahawks were the only NFC team from the 2004 playoffs to qualify for the 2005 playoffs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Red Bryant</span> American football player (born 1984)

Joseph Anthony "Red" Bryant is a former American football defensive tackle. He played college football at Texas A&M, and was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Bryant also played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills and Arizona Cardinals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alex Boone</span> American football player (born 1987)

Alexander Boone is an American former professional football player who was a guard in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes. He was signed by the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He also played in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Russell Okung</span> American football player (born 1988)

Russell Okung is an American former professional football player who was an offensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, and was twice recognized as an All-American, including a unanimous selection in 2009. He was selected by the Seattle Seahawks with the sixth overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft, and also played for the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, and Carolina Panthers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Earl Thomas</span> American football player (born 1989)

Earl Winty Thomas III is an American former professional football safety who played in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Texas Longhorns and received consensus All-American honors and played in the 2010 BCS National Championship Game. He left after his redshirt sophomore year and he was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft. During his time with the Seahawks, he made 6 Pro Bowls and 5 All-Pro teams as he was a core member of the Legion of Boom defense, winning Super Bowl XLVIII against the Denver Broncos and started in Super Bowl XLIX. After nine seasons with Seattle, he signed with the Baltimore Ravens as a free agent and played one season while earning his 7th Pro Bowl invite.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kam Chancellor</span> American football player (born 1988)

Kameron Darnel Chancellor, nicknamed "Bam Bam Kam", is an American former professional football safety who spent his entire nine-year career with the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Virginia Tech Hokies prior to being selected by the Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL draft. A four-time Pro Bowler, he was one of the key members of their Legion of Boom secondary. He also helped lead the Seahawks to victory in Super Bowl XLVIII. Chancellor retired following complications from a neck injury he suffered in 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Richard Sherman (American football)</span> American football player (born 1988)

Richard Kevin Sherman is an American former football cornerback who played 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). Sherman played college football for the Stanford Cardinal, beginning his career as a wide receiver before moving to cornerback as a junior. He was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL draft. He was selected to the Pro Bowl five times and voted All-Pro five times, including three times to the first team, and led the NFL in interceptions in 2013, when he also helped the Seahawks win their first Super Bowl. Sherman is regarded as one of the greatest cornerbacks of all time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bruce Irvin</span> American football player (born 1987)

Bruce Pernell Irvin Jr. is an American football linebacker who is a free agent. He was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the first round with the 15th overall pick of the 2012 NFL draft. Irvin won Super Bowl XLVIII over the Denver Broncos, and also played in Super Bowl XLIX where he became the first player ever to be ejected from a Super Bowl. He played college football for the West Virginia Mountaineers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chandler Jones</span> American football player (born 1990)

Chandler James Jones is an American football defensive end who is a free agent. He played college football for the Syracuse Orange and was selected by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft. He has also played for the Arizona Cardinals and the Las Vegas Raiders.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bobby Wagner</span> American football player (born 1990)

Bobby Joseph Wagner is an American football linebacker for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Utah State and was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the second round of the 2012 NFL draft. Wagner also played for the Los Angeles Rams in 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jared Smith</span> American football player (born 1990)

Jared Smith is a former American football guard. He played college football at New Hampshire. He was invited to the 2013 NFL Combine as a defensive lineman. He was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the seventh round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Before the 2013 season, he was transitioned from a defensive lineman to an offensive lineman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Legion of Boom (Seattle Seahawks)</span> Nickname for the early 2010s Seattle Seahawks defensive backfield

The Legion of Boom (LOB) was the Seattle Seahawks secondary in the early 2010s. The original group that was nicknamed the Legion of Boom consisted of the starters in the Seahawks defensive backfield : Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor, Brandon Browner, Walter Thurmond and Byron Maxwell.

References

  1. ↑ "FSU's Jones reportedly to enter NFL Draft". The Palm Beach Post. January 8, 1997.
  2. ↑ "Walter Jones, Combine Results, OT - Florida State". nflcombineresults.com. Retrieved November 14, 2021.
  3. ↑ "Walter Jones RAS". ras.football. January 23, 2020. Retrieved November 14, 2021.
  4. ↑ "1997 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 30, 2023.
  5. ↑ "An appreciation for the great Walter Jones". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 12, 2018.
  6. ↑ "Farewell, Walter". Seahawks.com. May 1, 2010. Archived from the original on May 1, 2010. Retrieved July 12, 2018.
  7. ↑ "Walter Jones - RIP? Not so fast, brother | Seattle Sports Insider". October 28, 2009. Archived from the original on February 2, 2014. Retrieved December 3, 2019.
  8. ↑ Greg Johns (April 30, 2010). "Walter Jones: 'I'm ready to move on'". Seattle Post-Intelligencer . Retrieved April 30, 2010.
  9. ↑ "Seahawks-Saints Game Thread | Sportspress Northwest". Sportspress Northwest. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved July 12, 2018.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.