MIAMI - Eddie J. Jones, who oversaw the daily operations the Dolphins for 18 seasons from 1988-2005, including ten years as team president, passed away this morning at the age of 74.
Jones originally joined the Dolphins in 1988 as Vice President of Administration and Finance before being named as Executive Vice President and General Manager in 1990. He was promoted to President of the organization in 1996, a position he held until his retirement following the2005 season.
Jones served as the teams representative at all National Football League meetings and served on the NFL’s Employee Benefits Committee and was a trustee of the Bert Bell Player Pension Plan. Following the 1991 season, Jones spearheaded the Jones spearheaded the successful effort to contract a new training facility at Nova-Southeastern University. He also was a key player in the international expansion of the Dolphins brand as Miami played games in London (1988), Tokyo (1991), Berlin (1992) and Mexico City (1997) during his tenure with the Dolphins.
Jones received numerous honors for his contributions to both the Dolphins organization and the South Florida community. In 1999, Jones, in a unanimous selection by the Dolphins players, was recognized with a special courage award from the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation, which recognizes individuals in the NFL who display courage in the face of adversity.
Prior to joining the Dolphins, Jones was President and Chief Operating Officer of the New Orleans Saints from 1982-85. He began his NFL career as business manager of the Saints in 1968.
An Air Force veteran, the Houston native is survived by his wife, Marilyn, their three children, Wendy, Todd and Jeff, and five grandchildren, Connor, Ashkon, Ian, Koosha and Hayden.
Funeral arrangements are still pending.
REMEMBERING EDDIE JONES
“Speaking for the entire Dolphin organization, I want to express my sadness about the passing of Eddie Jones. Eddie’s tenure at the Dolphins may have preceded my ownership, but I certainly knew so much about him from his many friends. From the very beginning of my involvement with the team, I not only heard about all the things Eddie accomplished on behalf of the organization, but also about the respect and admiration so many people had for him, not only among the Dolphin family, but also throughout the South Florida community and the NFL. I know Eddie will be missed by everyone he touched, and on behalf of the Dolphin organization I want to extend my condolences to his wife, Marilyn, and the rest of his family.”
– Dolphins owner Steve Ross
“I lost a dear friend with the passing of Eddie Jones. He truly exemplified what it meant to be a gentleman. He certainly could be a competitor, as I found out across a conference table when I was negotiating to buy the Dolphins, and later on the golf course during our many rounds together. But what set him apart was his kindness and warmth – you couldn’t help but have a great time whenever you were around him. It didn’t matter who you were – he treated everyone with respect. He was one of the most outgoing people I’ve ever known and that optimism lifted up everyone around him. I certainly will appreciate Eddie’s invaluable contributions to the Dolphins’ legacy, but what I will remember most is his friendship and his positive impact on so many people.”
– Former Dolphins owner H. Wayne Huizenga
“I was deeply saddened to head of Eddie Jones’ passing. Eddie was an instrumental member of the Dolphins and Joe Robbie Stadium management team for many years. Eddie was a true gentleman and a consummate professional. He brought a positive attitude and genuine enthusiasm to everything he did. Our sincerest condolences go out to Marilyn Jones and the entire Jones family during this difficult time.”
– Former Dolphins owner Tim Robbie
“I really appreciate all Eddie did for me and the Dolphins during the time we were together. I can’t say enough about his support of the football team. I’ve always felt teamwork in all phases of the operation was the key to building a winning team, and Eddie Jones was the consummate team player. He would drop by my office almost every day and ask how things were going. He wanted to do everything that he could do to help us win and that’s all you can ask of a front office executive. I want to pass along my condolences to Marilyn and his family.”
– Hall of Fame Head Coach Don Shula
