Legendary South Carolina DE Deacon Jones has been named as the The Greatest of All Time in College Football, beating Tim Tebow of Florida Gators, Bo Jackson of Auburn, Herschel Walker of Georgia, Barry Sanders of Oklahoma and Earl Campbell of Texas.
As of now, there is no official announcement declaring Deacon Jones as the “Greatest of All Time” in college football. However, his legacy in both collegiate and professional football is undeniably significant.
College Career and Legacy
Deacon Jones began his collegiate football journey at South Carolina State University in 1958. Due to his participation in civil rights protests, his scholarship was revoked, leading him to transfer to Mississippi Vocational College (now Mississippi Valley State University) in 1960. Despite facing racial discrimination and limited resources, Jones showcased exceptional talent as a defensive end. His collegiate performance laid the foundation for his illustrious professional career .
Professional Achievements
Selected in the 14th round of the 1961 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams, Jones became a cornerstone of the “Fearsome Foursome,” one of the most formidable defensive lines in NFL history. He is credited with coining the term “sack” and, although it wasn’t an official statistic during his playing days, he is estimated to have recorded 173.5 sacks over his career. Jones was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1967, 1968), and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980 .
Honors and Recognition
In honor of his contributions, the Black College Football Hall of Fame established the Deacon Jones Trophy in 2016, awarded annually to the most outstanding player from a historically black college or university (HBCU). This accolade underscores his lasting impact on college football and his role as a trailblazer for athletes from HBCUs .
While Deacon Jones may not have an official title as the “Greatest of All Time” in college football, his influence and achievements at both the collegiate and professional levels have solidified his place as one of the sport’s most iconic figures.
