#15: David 'Deacon' Jones | The Top 100: NFL's Greatest Players (2010) |

[@nancypine9952]

That the Rams even found Jones was astounding. He was attending a tiny school, Mississippi Vocational, that happened to play a couple of schools that were slightly better, and the Rams were interested in a couple of running backs from one of those schools. So a couple of scouts were reviewing game film, and they suddenly realized that a defensive tackle from the opposing school was running over their running backs, and they went and got one of the assistant defensive coaches, who watched the film and got someone else. . . . But because he'd only played against tiny, unknown schools, they didn't want to use a high draft pick on him, which is why he ended up in the 14th round. When they saw what he could do with talent around him, and good coaches, they were stunned. Mississippi Vocational later changed their name to Mississippi Valley State. They sent one other player to the NFL: a wide receiver named Jerry Rice.

[@jamesvickers9476]

Good info...

[@daltons.s8980]

that’s wild

[@ethanhill9460]

@@daltons.s8980 Than's wild times infinity.

[@GeronFletcher]

Their nfl prospect ratio is otherworldly lol

[@franciscogomez3245]

Thank you for this

[@kiwanishinton9410]

he had 175 sacks when teams ran the ball more often than passed

[@josheden832]

Kiwanis Hinton good point

[@smbake]

And offensive lineman didn't know how to pass block and could not extend their arms like they can today. Watch 1978 Superstars and tell me he's a world class athlete. Granted it was a few years after his playing days but still...Great player for his time but imagine if Bruce or Reggie could have slapped linemen upside the head. They'd each have 250+ sacks easy.

[@jarredlkling]

they only played like 10 games back then too so he had fewer chances per year to get sacks

[@OneManTheBand]

Oh yeah? Prove it. Show me the official stat.

[@bradenwright2586]

@@smbake yeah but 1/2 these players aren't tough enough to make it through a game when Deacon was playing. The NFL athletes that were great, just a different time. It's definitely a much different game, but compare him against the field in his time. He was a beast and an amazing athlete, combined with his drive, there's no reason to think he wouldn't find a way to be great in any era.

[@ElrohirGuitar]

Jennifer, you did a wonderful job in not only describing what a great player Deacon was, but knew the impact he had as a person. Thank you. Deacon is still my favorite player of all time, and your dad was my favorite coach.

[@solomonkessington8136]

GOAT DT. Deacon coined the word 'sack' and with his unofficial record with 173.5 sacks. RIP Deacon Jones.

[@RGsmokinthathunnitHMNdawgpound]

+Solomon Kessington unofficial with the tackle

[@Raboon16283]

Deacon was a de

[@sevenrats]

You can't not make Mean Joe Greene #1 DT. You just can't.

[@theanimationlads7598]

Deacon Jones was a DE....

[@You_adopted_your_opinion]

Solomon Kessington im more impressed by players who get sacks without slapping

[@JTara20]

If you ever attempted to block Deacon, you have CTE.

[@dylanjennings1687]

@@KaurSingh-bo6gq If Forrest Gregg doesn't have CTE, he didn't have a brain to begin with lmao. He was in collisions for years. He went out and leveled people, which btw, regardless of whether you're the one going down or not, you are also taking that impact

[@legm5298]

😂😂😂

[@DavidHolcomb1776]

This guy was the blueprint for DE's for years and even now he is revered as a member of the Rams Fearsome Foursome D-Line that wreaked havoc in the 60's.

[@kiwanishinton9410]

He should be higher, very few players have ever changed the way football is played and he is one of them, From coining the term sack and making it popular, to the NFL outlawing the headslap, to his speed he was an original

[@chrisrembert6647]

Up there with Don Hutson.

[@kiwanishinton9410]

Yep chris with Hutson

[@Cardiaccat98]

baptized into the nfl with a head slap, and a shoulder to the chest

[@zorro1955]

Kiwanis Hinton - yeah, like #1

[@TheJbirddude867]

Coining a word shouldn't make him higher up lol. inventing a term it meaningless cause if they wouldn't have called it a sack they just would've called it something else lol.

[@PerezSportsOfficial]

Deacon Jones is the football version of wilt chamberlain

[@alfootball9381]

fr

[@RyanLBrown9396]

mark perez That's Jim Brown. Deacon is more like the NFL equivalent of Bill Russell

[@paull.2053]

That's Mean Joe Greene to be honest.

[@coleabegg9036]

Wilt Chamberlain was the greatest athlete of all time, and Bill Russell was the greatest defensive player and 11 time champ

[@coleabegg9036]

Jim Brown is Bill Russell btw

[@dwightlove3704]

Deacon Jones was the original minister of defense he made offensive players say their prayers in the 60s!!!!

[@NeoNitty]

Deacon Jones, the legend. RIP sir you’re missed!

[@focus2521]

I love the way she told her story! Salute to the late, great Deacon Jones. LT even said that he thought Deacon and Reggie White was better than him. HIGH PRAISE FROM THE GOAT

[@snuffysmith6842]

They were .

[@ea2225]

he makes my soul cry of joy & pain RIP TO THE LEGENDARY GODLY 🐐

[@jamesvickers9476]

No matter how many times this shows up on my newsfeed i watch it an its been alot of times...i had the pleasure of meeting Deacons mother back in early 70s...my older half brother knew the family well an he took me to see her

[@PtolemyJones]

My all time favorite football player... incredible.

[@richardmorris7063]

Me too.

[@lawreecefluellen5991]

@@richardmorris7063 he’s my cousin. We’re in the process of producing a biopic. His sister Gloria is still alive although she is bed ridden (just recently). She has a house full of his memorabilia even though she wasn’t a fan of football. She was a highly respected schoolteacher in Miami and told me an awesome story about when he came in town to play the dolphins and she skip the game but went out to dinner with the fearsome foursome afterwards. He used to come to town and rent out an entire hotel and throw parties with our family members and friends.

[@richardmorris7063]

@@lawreecefluellen5991 cool,as a 10 yr old from Ohio Deacon was my favorite for all the yrs he played.long live his memory.

[@lawreecefluellen5991]

@@richardmorris7063 so cool to hear from the lives he touched. Merry Christmas, sir

[@richardmorris7063]

@@lawreecefluellen5991 Merry Christmas to you too,it's king of a BFD to text Deacons cousin.

[@65TossTrap]

I watched the great Deacon on his last play in a regular NFL game. Ironically George Allen allowed Deacon to kick an extra point in the last game of the 1974 season against the Bears. He kicked it straight ahead and punched it thru and was warmly congratulated by his teammates on the sidelines, including Sonny Jurgenson (the holder) and Bill Kilmer.

[@josephcameron537]

Nice!

[@TimmyTickle]

Is there footage of this?

[@miri9885]

Deacon Jones was a beast on the football field.. One of the greatest D.E. to ever play the game.. He played in an era when you ran first and passed when necessary. I can only imagine how many career sacks he would have had in the modern pass happy NFL of today. RIP

[@monzon529]

That head slap was second to none.

[@dennisjohnson889]

He could play in today's game with that speed and quickness. What a legend.

[@trwent]

Yeah but the head slap is no longer legal.

[@michaelbelfer1069]

Dennis Johnson How about this for a dream pass rush; LT playing the right end and the Deacon on the left side. At 6'3" 245# Taylor was more than big enough to play the position and can you imagine O-lineman dealing with that speed and power getting after their QBS. A nightmare for sure

[@ogcryingfacememe9115]

Michael Belfer what bout Bruce Smith and Reggie White at DE

[@SomeLittleShoe]

He could not make it today. Rules are different now. He relied on dirty play. Rules were changed because of him, and for good reason. In today's game he would have had to change the way he played, and would likely not be a starter, and maybe not even make a roster.

[@lyrics2challenged]

SomeLittleShoe he ain't play dirty. He played different.

[@marqueswilliams345]

Damn Deacon Jones was a monster

[@maxrogue8452]

Yes He was Brother

[@benjaminbrown5143]

I'm an Eagle's fan but I love those Rams royal blue jerseys with the blue helmet and white horns in the helmet. They need to bring those back ASAP

[@vance917]

Was fortunate enough to meet him in San Diego in 1973, training camp. He wouldn't give me, or the other kids, autographs, apparently because we were standing where we were not supposed to be. But still, what an awesome talent. Nothing but mad respect for the player, and for the man, and for the poet. RIP.

[@flyingdutchman913]

GON' BY THE RULES, WAS ON THE JOB AND PROBABLY GIVING IT HIS USUAL 49,875% EFFORT EVEN THOUGH IT WAS JUST PRACTICE.

[@RyanLBrown9396]

He invented the term “sack”. That alone should’ve put him in the top 10

[@flyingdutchman913]

Thank you, thank you prolly long lost relative of all time great ram roger brown.

[@thistle0968]

Ryan Brown who do you take out

[@dwightlove3704]

Ryan Brown There was a man named RICH "TOMBSTONE" JACKSON who claimed that he invented that term before Deacon Jones

[@RyanLBrown9396]

@@flyingdutchman913Unfortunately no but that would be dope as hell 😂😂

[@RyanLBrown9396]

@@thistle0968Reggie white

[@wyodrifter5539]

I love this man

[@riptheripper9060]

Athletic ability with heart, soul and dedication to the game he loved. RIP 75.

[@clarencewashington3910]

watching these highlights brought tears of joy to my eyes...I love watching Deacon Jones dominate

[@Richiebrowny]

The Deacon was the best defensive end that ever played with Reggie very close 2nd.

[@robertstaffod2424]

This lady gave fabulous narration.

[@GeorgeAshburn]

Well it is George Allen's daughter so she would have a few stories.

[@humzahhassan4521]

Damn he’d be fined every game today if he played like that. He’d play for free

[@josheden832]

Humzah Hassan ikr. Dude is a monster

[@jimlascola]

He would STILL play though!

[@1Oldskool63]

I love him. When was with the rams, they had the fearsome foursome. One of the most dominant d-lines in football.

[@davidhornbeck1470]

George Allen bringing Deacon in as a part of the family and entrusting him with a leadership role after he was held down by all of the racist ways of the deep south, is such a beautiful and heartwarming gesture. George Allen’s daughter carries on his legacy. Wish there were more people around like this back then and today.

[@quintongates8984]

I'm only 31 and but this is one of my favorite defensive player ever

[@williamkennedy907]

People say players were smaller back then. Heck, you have to realize, Deacon was 6'6" and 265 pounds of muscle and meanness. Very few modern DE's posess that size and speed. With the physical training they have today, oh my god. He'd be more of s beast today.

[@Troy428492]

Deacon Jones was a true tough guy.

[@cmc5394oparva]

One thing that stood out from those clips is how well he and Merlin Olsen worked together to wreak havoc. Olsen was so strong, teams had to put two guys on him to keep him from getting in the backfield, which consistently left Deacon with one guy to beat to the QB. Deacon was so fast and relentless, leaving one guy to take him on all game got a lot of coaches fired.

[@InternetVagabond]

Sometimes it seems that living is a journey of finding the courage to headslap your way thru life. RIP Deacon Jones

[@aws21st]

Great content Rest in peace Deacon Jones

[@kevinbrooks5235]

He was a beast!!!!!

[@jamesvickers9476]

Deacon an my father were from the same hometown in Florida...I got to meet Deacons mother when I was a young boy visiting Fla. one summer during the early '70s....

[@lawreecefluellen5991]

He's my cousin. My mother's family is from Eatonville. I vaguely remember him from family functions when I was very small but all my family members had epic hilarious stories about him. He used to come to Orlando, rent out an ENTIRE HOTEL and through huge parties with our family and friends. Lmaooo I have an old Polaroid of me sitting on his lap (i was born in 86). We're producing a biopic about him based on his autobiography. Deacons sister is still alive and lives in Eatonville. I went and visited her about 5 months ago. She has an insane amount of Deacon memorabilia. The funny thing is she doesn't even like football particularly lol

[@ikkenhisatsu7170]

He was a machine. He and Reggie White top my list. Both were beasts on the field.

[@GeorgeVreelandHill]

They need to count his sacks today because he deserves to be listed. After all, he is the greatest DE ever. Come on NFL. Do your history homework. You are cheating yourself, history and Deacon Jones.

[@brucelee6834]

George Vreeland Hill reggie white was better

[@shotgun517]

Yeah they should, I think his best year he had 26 followed by 24 the next one when it was a 14 game season!

[@thistle0968]

George Vreeland Hill he had about 170

[@TimmyTickle]

Pro Football Reference counts pre-1982 sacks - Deacon is third on the all time list

[@Joshdun1t]

Deacon Jones is the kings of Sacks. P.S. cool rams concept for a new football uniforms for the rams

[@davidberger2069]

Pre-1973 uniforms were better.

[@theprofessor8589]

NOT!

[@theprofessorslover6946]

@ the professor: **wink**

[@joecool5663]

Says Bruce smith

[@bobbypadilla4641]

I'd like to see the Rams play in a throwback uniform with the white and blue without the gold🏈👍

[@bkfinest99mack57]

real talk how isn't this man top 3 all time wish we had his sack total straight beast

[@craigplainfield3778]

Deacon was my father in law's best friend. Deacon was my wife's Godfather. Deacon said to me "now you take good care of little Connie". I said yes sir Mr. Jones. He was a good guy. I loved hearing all of his stories about football.

[@footballfan6552]

that is really cool, i wish I knew deacon jones

[@richardmorris7063]

Too cool,him and muhammad ali were my first heroes.

[@BruinsBeatCanucks]

my dad's an on-and-off football fan... and I remember he talked about deacon jones once... out of all of the players... and it just made me think... deacon jones must have been a great player because my dad doesn't really talk about football

[@hallwaywarrior5286]

cool story bro

[@uruiamnot]

I could tell a similar story. I never knew who Deacon Jones was, but I guess I know now. My dad had a lot of names he would mention a lot, most of them on his favorite team. This guy was a remarkable legend, probably because he sacked my Dad's team a lot. I don't know how he compared to Mean Joe Greene, but I gather that they were both defensive behemoths. I see they both made it into the top 20 of this list.

[@lashawnbarberbarber8295]

,He would definitely dominate in today's game

[@bigdog1648]

and Deacon did it with some style.

[@xxpattytech]

Deacon was a great man, I was fortunate enough to play a lot of golf with him growing up

[@ekim4363]

Deacon Jones said that Forrest Gregg was a handful to deal with, one of the best he went against, no slouch. This man was an exceptional defensive end and football player.

[@robertdunn7364]

RIP DEACON JONES

[@davidsieradzki5261]

While 15 on this list is nothing to scoff at, Deacon Jones even feels underrated at this spot. Had sacks been an official statistic when Deacon played, my bet is he'd be the all-time leader in sacks today. I'd have him in my top 10.

[@dvldog_]

Some people these days say that players from previous eras wouldn't be able to play the game because everyone's bigger, faster and stronger now... Those people don't realize how brutal the game was back then... Barely a facemask, much less helmets made to protect from blows to the head... And the rules that have been put into place to protect players? Yeah, no such thing back then... Those people need to watch videos like this one......

[@1stshepherd]

I was fortunate enough to have met Deacon Jones a few years after he retired. I asked him which quarterback was the hardest to sack. He said, "Fran Tarkenton gave me fits! If I saw him walking down the street with his family, right now, I'd tackle him."

[@EricOWilliam]

With a name like Deacon you know he's going to put that God Hand down

[@trumetalheadonmauiey9715]

Deacon Jones was the original Master of Disaster.RIP#75.

[@conni70]

so many great defensive lineman-pass rushers have worn the Los Angeles Rams jersey... Deacon Jones Merlin Olsen Jack Youngblood Kevin Greene * Aaron Donald

[@fearsomefan1]

I had a chance to meet him a couple of times. Thrill of a lifetime.

[@thecrock6014]

Rip deacon jones🏈

[@davidsieradzki3794]

Hard to say a guy can be ranked too low when he's ranked #15, but I'd put Deacon Jones in my all-time top 10.

[@richardmorris7063]

I think they got it right,but as a pass rusher I'd put him at #1

[@rockrocktheragnorok9184]

1:25 Number 76 doesn't want to get slapped. "Don't slap me Deacon!!"

[@2coreyfaele637]

rest in peace big Dave

[@tomitstube]

so many of these great black players from that era of segregation, physical men who could legally take their lifetime of frustration out on white people thru sports.

[@flyingdutchman913]

ummmm y'know I'll go with that. These dumbfukks now haven't even spent a night in CRIP LAND.

[@conni70]

stupid comment

[@galesayers]

@@conni70 Is it? Jim Brown said practically that same thing. He didn't say that he took out his frustration on White people, but he did say, without question, that his vented his anger about the race problem in America on the football field. Go to 20 seconds in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/opWWq4ZqZ92Sb6c

[@jamesvickers9476]

tomitstube ... exactly....😆

[@timothybarkley3682]

If you don't have the Avenue to touch the 'Football'... Personal VENDETTAS fuel one's 'PURPOSE' on the "GRID-IRON"...

[@beatlejim64]

He'd have a field day now.....with the shitty OL's they have today...he was a beast then...and he'd be a beast now!!!

[@depaola63]

Deacon should be Top 10 !!

[@mrlaw711]

George Allen and Deacon Jones. We forget what a great coach Allen was. You can tell Jones had lots of respect for Allen.

[@jcdova29]

I like how his jersey read Deacon. That was dope.

[@peterk8909]

"His stock in trade was quickness."? For at least one season he was THE fastest man on the Rams!

[@conni70]

Los Angeles Rams have a long tradition of producing some the greatest D lineman- pass rushers in NFL history.. Deacon Jones-HOF Merlin Olsen-HOF Jack Youngblood-HOF Kevin Greene-HOF *Aaron Donald- future HOF

[@ramsfire]

If youre putting Merlin in there....ya gotta put The "Rock" in there too Rosie Greer. He wasnt a Sack Master like The Deacon but him and Mr Olsen HELD DOWN THE MIDDLE. Then there was Mr. Lamar Lundy.....no slouch to complete The Fearsome Foursome. The Doomsday Defense in Dallas, The Purple People Eaters in Minnesota.... The Steel Curtain in Pittsburgh then Later....The Monsters of The Midway 85' Bears and my homeboys: The Big Blue Wreckin' Crew with L.T. Maybe I'm just old but what happened to the NFL? Its all so FAKE now. Can you imagine The Deacon, Nitchske, Butkis, Buchanan, Lanier or Lambert having to put up with this bullshit? The 80's were that last era of Authentic NFL Football.

[@makeddricktillis4527]

the goat

[@jwim3969]

Next to LT Deacon May have been the most dominant defensive player in history.

[@megalon73]

He was my Dad’s hero and role model. I see why he love him, Especially “The Fearsome Foursome” (Great Era). The Los Angeles Rams even thought I did have The SuperBowl's in the earlier-mide 60's. but man! the Rams would have made a lot, If that was to happen?

[@NeoNitty]

On my all time team, he’s one of my 4 lineman, 1st team. NO QUESTION.

[@Fireyninjadog]

This guy had 3 seasons with at least 20 sacks. He actually had 43.5 sacks in 67 and 68 combined. He also led the nfl 5 times in sacks

[@TheEgganator324]

He should be in the Top 10

[@brucelee6834]

Egging Gaming not really, who in the top 10is he better than?

[@seveglider8406]

@@brucelee6834 Deacon is way better than Lott!

[@al6347]

Much Respect from the Raider Nation. RN4L

[@carlosbarraza4524]

RIP deacon the greatest 😔

[@jacobreyes5357]

In todays game: Deacon Jones: 347 Illegal hands to the face penalties

[@raulaguilar1505]

"Happy Birthday Deacon Jones 12/9/38" Fearsome foursone/ Secretary of Defense 🏈 Rest in peace....

[@chriswright8464]

An era when the players were allowed to play FOOTBALL!

[@mrj9224]

All those games in the dirt n goo!!!

[@indanekwaffles7074]

George Allen is underrated in the annals of football.

[@johng.8600]

2 Iconic moves . Headslap, and the rip move. NFL banned the headslap. The rip moves being tought since.

[@ericlou3405]

Beast, RIP

[@johnnyfoosball3138]

The best DE to ever play the game @15? What a crock this guy was top 5 and number 1 defensively

[@cadenunger3514]

johnny foosball i personally think Jim Brown @ #1 but I can see Deacon being 2-4

[@xaviervega468]

Deacon was great no doubt, but lets not forget he played in an era where he was allowed to headslap guys and offensive lineman weren't allowed to extend their arms or grab at all. Can imagine if Reggie White or LT were allowed to headslap guys and offensive lineman weren't allowed to extend their arms and grab them?

[@hmackprotection1]

johnny foosball, he's not "better" than Reggie White..Jones is the Truth, & he is top 3 DE ever, but no way is he greater than Reggie, or Bruce Smith

[@griff4323]

He's 3rd with Bruce Smith at 2 and Reggie White at 1

[@vance917]

Yeah, nobody was better than Reggie White, that is true, but I still put him over Bruce Smith. What about JJ Watt?

[@jahmanoog461]

I'm glad the big guy gets this recognition.

[@RyanLBrown9396]

Imagine him playing in the league today.

[@humzahhassan4521]

Ryan Brown he wouldn’t he’s be suspended every game

[@josheden832]

Humzah Hassan haha hut I think he will still be dominant

[@jeffreyt.steptoe5306]

Humzah Hassan Sad, but true.

[@christopherengel7436]

Deacon Jones explaining the meaning of the word "sack" as it pertains to football is just brilliant. (2:00 mark) "Putting the offense in a sack and beating it with a bat."

[@richardmorris7063]

He was my fav as a ten yr old kid from ohio.he was fun to watch.174 sacks in 14 game season and didn't hang around past his prime.scary!

[@ZhangtheGreat]

Few defensive ends are truly NFL elites, but only one is as passionate in his absolute raw hatred for the QB. Forget what the stat sheets said; anyone who lines up across from Deacon Jones as a QB and claims they're not frightened is a bold-faced liar.

[@tylermcduffie2548]

Aaron Donald falls under that list as well now

[@salvadorsanchez6232]

I really like this guy the focus and Real that show in eyes gives me the chills🙏

[@lawrencewomack5589]

The Deacon without question one of the Great defensive ends, a Quarterback/offensive Tackle/Guard/running back/Center/NIGHTMARE

[@ultraollie]

He was the prototype for today's fast, athletic linemen. And to think, his play got the rules changed.

[@flyingdutchman913]

THERE! RIGHT THERE! PERFECT ANALOGY! I am adopting you, my son.

[@dwightlove3704]

Ultraollie Jones played in a era in which offensive lineman were not allowed to extend their arms in pass protection how would he have done with this rules change in his era.

[@trollkenobi6727]

@@dwightlove3704 🤡🤡

[@KB-eo9bu]

THE DEACON HEAD SLAP!

[@professionaltposer1031]

15 all time ever wow that's nice

[@franciscogomez3245]

This gives me the chills

[@facina3390]

He was a beast!

[@mg19cal]

2:17 she's the first person I've known outside of myself to call Florida "the South." My dad was born and raised in Florida in the 50s and 60s during extreme segregation and it kills him to hear when folks don't refer to Florida as the South like it's north of Alabama or Georgia

[@nrkgalt]

Deacon Jones also taught Peter Brady that it was okay to both play football and sing in the glee club.

[@richardmorris7063]

LOL!

[@ProdSmooth]

he’s amazing

[@dang1861]

The head slap was invented by Rich Jackson of the Denver Broncos

[@dantesinfernopurgatory7826]

Tombstone Jackson

[@quinnokeefe4684]

At 4:19 you can see that when he played for the Chargers, Deacon was on his jersey.