Outpouring of Tributes to Deacon Jones

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News of the death Deacon Jones has spurred an outpouring of tributes from fans, players, and many others. The Hall of Fame defensive end, who coined the phrase “sack the quarterback”, died at his home in California on Monday night at the age of 74. The adoration for Jones is an amazing testimony to the man he was, and so we need to share the words of those who knew, loved, and respected David “Deacon” Jones.

 Member of the original Fearsome Foursome of the Los Angeles Rams: Rosey Grier:
“Deacon was an incredible team guy and he always wanted to win, he wanted all of us to run the race together. We didn’t play run, we played pass and we all came off the ball together. The whole point was to get in the backfield fast and mess everything up. They couldn’t stop the Fearsome Foursome – we made a great contribution to the game of football.” He added, “Our hearts reach out to his family and friends. We respect him not only for being there but because he was the ‘Deac’. He always had something to say and I enjoyed being around him because of that – you had no idea what he was about to say. Once you got to know him more you understood that’s just who he was and you respected him for it.”

From Dallas Cowboys DeMarcus Ware:
“Deacon Jones was the type of player we all want to be, tough on the field, a gentleman off, but a player’s guy everyday. I will miss him an on behalf of all players of the NFL. Thanks for being the rushmen that started it all. I can tell you that we will never forget him.”

Former professional football player, Los Angeles Rams: Jack Youngblood  
“Deacon loved being a Ram. If you stop and think about it, Deacon changed the game of the National Football League. He changed how defensive linemen play the game. There will be no more like him. We’ve lost a brilliant icon of the game.”

Former professional football player, Los Angeles Rams: Tom Mack
“Deacon was probably as great a player as I have been lucky enough to play with. He and Merlin Olsen were some of the best. He could rush the passer, be tenacious and intimidating. I had my share of practices against him and as ferocious as he could be, he was the greatest teammate. During a time when you needed leaders, black and white, Deacon was the guy that kept the team together and kept everyone focused on winning. He was a wonderful teammate and a wonderful person. I am going to miss him.”

Former professional football player, Los Angeles Rams & Atlanta Falcons : Eric Dickerson

Eric Dickerson recalled a time about 9 months ago when he and Marcus Allen along with two other friends drove up and brought Deacon to brunch “Marcus and I and two others go to pick him up and bring him to brunch – the whole dang time Deacon was complaining about how far of a drive it was and giving us a hard time. We all laughed quite a bit. Once we got to the restaurant he was okay with it. And then I drove him all the way back home. Looking back I am really glad I did that. He will be sadly missed by all – by me for sure. I would drive up and see him in the hospital and just hang out and talk and take pictures. It meant the world to me to just drive up and see him.”

Rams Owner/Vice-Chairman: Chip Rosenbloom
‘There never has been and there never will be a player like Deacon. Others will talk about his legacy on the field – it’s already written and it’s legendary. What I will always remember is Deacon the gentle man, the philosopher, the teacher, and the storyteller. Beyond losing a great player, the NFL and all its fans, lost a wise man with Deacon’s passing. Our thoughts are with Deacon’s family today – his beloved Elizabeth and his son Greg are in our hearts.’

Rams Owner/Chair of Community Outreach: Lucia Rodriguez
“Deacon was larger than life with a heart to match. His legacy to the game is unquestioned. He will go down in history as one of the greatest football players to ever grace the gridiron. He had a fighting yet loving spirit. I will forever treasure the memories of many happy times spent with him. Deacon, I miss you already…”

NFLPA President Domonique Foxworth and
NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith:
“The NFL Players Association and the entire NFL Player family is saddened to hear of the passing of Deacon Jones, a tremendous player and man. The Hall of Fame defensive end was a constant presence at NFLPA and NFL Players, Inc. events over the years. He spoke to us as a man and was candid about the honor, responsibilities, and realities of life as a player and person in the League.  We will always remember him for his stories and the laughter he brought to every room.  Deacon’s impact on and off the field is still legendary, and we will miss him.”

 

For more on this story see the following:

http://proplayerinsiders.com/deacon-jones-dead-at-74/

http://proplayerinsiders.com/former-giants-de-michael-strahan-on-the-passing-of-deacon-jones/

http://proplayerinsiders.com/rams-mourn-loss-of-jones/

http://proplayerinsiders.com/outpouring-of-tributes-to-deacon-jones/

http://proplayerinsiders.com/nflpa-statement-on-the-passing-of-deacon-jones/

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