Rare SI photos of Deacon Jones

SI Staff | Jun 4, 2013

Rare SI photos of Deacon Jones /

Rare SI photos of Deacon Jones

Deacon Jones

David "Deacon" Jones, a Hall of Fame defensive end credited with terming the word sack for how he knocked down quarterbacks, died at age 74 of natural causes at his home in Southern California on June 3, 2013. Jones was the leader of the Rams' Fearsome Foursome unit from 1961-71 and then played for San Diego for two seasons before finishing his career with the Redskins in 1974. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980 and made the league's 75th anniversary all-time squad. Because sacks didn't become an official statistic until 1982, Jones' total is uncertain. His impact as a premier pass rusher and team leader is not. Jones made the Pro Bowl every year from 1964-70 and played in eight overall.