As the NFL world mourns the passing of one of its most iconic figures, we look back on Dub Jones’ extraordinary career, from his legendary six-touchdown game to his role in shaping Cleveland Browns history.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Jones' Historic Six-Touchdown Feat
- Life Before the NFL
- Joining the Browns and the AAFC
- A Key Player in Browns’ Championships
- Contributions Off the Field
- Legacy and Impact
- Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
Dub Jones, the celebrated Cleveland Browns halfback and flanker, passed away on Saturday at the age of 99. Known for his record-setting six-touchdown game, Jones was one of the last living links to the Browns' early championship years. His son, former NFL quarterback Bert Jones, confirmed the news, marking the end of an era for Cleveland fans and NFL historians alike.
Jones' Historic Six-Touchdown Feat
On November 25, 1951, Dub Jones accomplished a feat that has rarely been matched in the NFL: scoring six touchdowns in a single game. In a commanding performance against the Chicago Bears, Jones ran for four touchdowns and caught two touchdown passes from Otto Graham, helping the Browns secure a 42-21 victory. His achievement tied the NFL record set by Ernie Nevers in 1929 and has only been equaled twice since, by Gale Sayers in 1965 and Alvin Kamara in 2020.
This six-touchdown performance was a testament to Jones’ skill and versatility within Paul Brown’s innovative offense. At a towering 6-foot-4, Jones was an ideal target for Graham, creating mismatches with his speed and height. His memorable performance is often hailed as one of the greatest individual displays in NFL history.
Life Before the NFL
Born William Augustus Jones on December 29, 1924, in Arcadia, Louisiana, “Dub” Jones grew up during the Great Depression. He lost his father at a young age and moved with his mother and siblings to Ruston, Louisiana, where he developed his football skills. He went on to play college football at LSU and later at Tulane while training with the Navy during World War II.
Joining the Browns and the AAFC
Jones started his professional career with the Miami Seahawks and the Brooklyn Dodgers in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC), a rival to the NFL that lasted from 1946 to 1949. In 1948, he joined the Cleveland Browns, who were already establishing a dynasty in the AAFC. Under Paul Brown’s leadership, the Browns won all four AAFC championships before joining the NFL in 1950.
A Key Player in Browns’ Championships
In his decade-long career, Jones played a pivotal role in the Browns' NFL dominance. With championships in 1950, 1954, and 1955, the Browns were a force to be reckoned with, and Jones was at the heart of it. Known for his reliability and team-first attitude, Jones excelled in the halfback and flanker positions, earning Pro Bowl honors in 1951 and 1952.
Jones was instrumental in the Browns’ championship win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1950. In a game that set the tone for the Browns’ entry into the NFL, Jones and his teammates trounced the reigning champions with a 35-10 victory. “It was the biggest game I ever played in,” he later reflected, likening its importance to that of future Super Bowls.
Contributions Off the Field
After retiring as a player, Jones returned to the Browns as an offensive coach from 1963 to 1968, where he helped develop future Hall of Famers like Jim Brown and Leroy Kelly. He also scouted for Grambling State University and worked in his family’s general contracting business in Ruston.
Legacy and Impact
Dub Jones’ legacy is enshrined not only in NFL record books but in the memories of fans and players who witnessed his talent and sportsmanship. His contributions to the game, both on and off the field, helped shape the Browns’ legacy and the NFL as a whole. His passing leaves a void in the world of football, but his achievements will continue to inspire future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was Dub Jones’ most famous game?
- Jones is best known for his six-touchdown performance against the Chicago Bears on November 25, 1951, which tied an NFL record.
- How many NFL championships did Dub Jones win?
- Jones won three NFL championships with the Cleveland Browns, in 1950, 1954, and 1955.
- What positions did Dub Jones play?
- Jones played as a halfback and flanker, positions that allowed him to showcase his skills as both a runner and a receiver.
- Is Dub Jones related to any other NFL players?
- Yes, his son, Bert Jones, was an NFL quarterback and the league’s MVP in 1976 while playing for the Baltimore Colts.
