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Cyrus Jones
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Cyrus Diego Jones Jr. (born November 29, 1993) is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback and return specialist in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide and was selected by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft. He was also a member of the Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos.
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Jones was born in Baltimore and attended elementary school at the Leith Walk Elementary/Middle School in northeast Baltimore. He played football and baseball in the Northwood neighborhood, also in northeast Baltimore.[1] Jones attended Gilman School in Baltimore, Maryland. He played cornerback, wide receiver, and running back for the Greyhounds. As a senior, he had 2,365 all-purpose yards and 24 touchdowns on offense and five interceptions on defense. Jones committed to the University of Alabama to play college football.[2]
College career
[edit]Jones played at Alabama from 2012 to 2015.[3] Jones played wide receiver as a freshman in 2012, catching four passes for 51 yards. Prior to his sophomore year in 2013, he moved to cornerback. He played in 11 games with five starts that season and had 25 tackles, two interceptions and one sack. As a junior in 2014, he played in all 14 games and had 46 tackles and three interceptions.[4] As a senior, he played in all 15 games and had 37 tackles and two interceptions.[5] He also was Alabama's punt returner, returning 42 punts for 530 yards and four touchdowns.[6][7] Jones was the Defensive MVP of the 2015 Cotton Bowl after intercepting a redzone pass from Connor Cook with 18 seconds left in the second half to halt Michigan State's momentum and preserve Alabama's eventual 38–0 shutout of the Spartans. In addition, he returned a punt for a touchdown in the victory.[8]
Statistics
[edit]Defensive statistics
[edit]| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Tackles | Interceptions | Fumbles | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solo | Ast | Tot | Loss | Sk | Int | Yds | TD | PD | FR | Yds | TD | FF | ||||||
| 2012 | Alabama | SEC | FR | WR | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 | Alabama | SEC | SO | UT | 9 | 18 | 7 | 25 | 1.5 | 1.0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | Alabama | SEC | JR | DB | 14 | 36 | 8 | 44 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 3 | 27 | 0 | 13 | 1 | 13 | 1 | 2 |
| 2015 | Alabama | SEC | SR | DB | 15 | 29 | 8 | 37 | 4.0 | 0.0 | 2 | 21 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Career | Alabama | 83 | 23 | 106 | 7.5 | 1.0 | 7 | 28 | 0 | 25 | 2 | 13 | 1 | 4 | ||||
Return statistics
[edit]| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Kick returns | Punt returns | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ret | Yds | TD | Ret | Yds | TD | ||||||
| 2012 | Alabama | SEC | FR | WR | 11 | 10 | 250 | 0 | 8 | 61 | 0 |
| 2013 | Alabama | SEC | SO | UT | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | Alabama | SEC | JR | DB | 14 | 4 | 77 | 0 | 4 | 82 | 0 |
| 2015 | Alabama | SEC | SR | DB | 15 | 42 | 530 | 4 | 1 | 24 | 0 |
| Career | Alabama | 56 | 857 | 4 | 13 | 167 | 0 | ||||
Professional career
[edit]| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Bench press | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 ft 9+7⁄8 in (1.77 m) |
197 lb (89 kg) |
31+3⁄8 in (0.80 m) |
9+1⁄8 in (0.23 m) |
4.49 s | 1.55 s | 2.62 s | 4.21 s | 6.71 s | 33 in (0.84 m) |
9 ft 8 in (2.95 m) |
10 reps | |
| All values from NFL Scouting Combine.[9][10] | ||||||||||||
New England Patriots (first stint)
[edit]Jones was selected by the New England Patriots in the second round (60th overall) of the 2016 NFL draft.[11] Jones finished his rookie regular season with seven tackles, no pass deflections, and no interceptions. Jones was an occasional return specialist; his returns gained 180 yards, but he also fumbled five times.[12] He played in 10 games during the regular season. On February 5, 2017, Jones's Patriots appeared in Super Bowl LI. He was inactive for the game as the Patriots defeated the Atlanta Falcons by a score of 34–28 in overtime.[13][14]
Prior to the 2017 season, Jones switched to jersey number 41 and gave 24 to newcomer Stephon Gilmore. In the Patriots' final preseason game of 2017, Jones suffered a torn ACL and partially torn meniscus and was ruled out for the season.[15] He was officially placed on injured reserve on September 2, 2017.[16]
On September 1, 2018, Jones was waived by the Patriots.[17]
Baltimore Ravens (first stint)
[edit]On September 3, 2018, Jones was signed to the practice squad of the Baltimore Ravens.[18]
New England Patriots (second stint)
[edit]On September 19, 2018, the Patriots re-signed Jones off Baltimore's practice squad.[19] He was waived on October 6, 2018.[20]
Baltimore Ravens (second stint)
[edit]On October 8, 2018, Jones was claimed off waivers by the Ravens.[21] In Week 12, Jones returned a punt for a 70-yard touchdown in a 34–17 win over the Oakland Raiders, earning him American Football Conference Special Teams Player of the Week.[22] He was released on November 12, 2019.[23]
Denver Broncos
[edit]On November 13, 2019, Jones was claimed off waivers by the Denver Broncos.[24] He was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list on November 26, 2019.[25]
Personal life
[edit]Jones earned the nickname "Clamp Clampington", which was given for his shutdown corner abilities, while at Alabama.[26]
References
[edit]- ^ "Baltimore native Cyrus Jones visits his childhood school". Baltimore Sun. February 16, 2017. Archived from the original on April 6, 2019. Retrieved December 21, 2018.
- ^ Dunn, Katherine (January 5, 2012). "Gilman football star Cyrus Jones Jr. commits to Alabama". Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on May 7, 2016. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
- ^ "Cyrus Jones College Stats". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on July 23, 2019. Retrieved December 21, 2018.
- ^ Zenitz, Matt (August 4, 2015). "Alabama DB Cyrus Jones feels overlooked nationally, ready to 'show people what I'm all about'". AL.com. Archived from the original on September 21, 2018. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
- ^ Talty, John (January 28, 2016). "Alabama CB Cyrus Jones ready and eager to prove doubters wrong". AL.com. Archived from the original on September 21, 2018. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
- ^ Zrebiec, Jeff (April 1, 2016). "Former Gilman standout Cyrus Jones working out with Ravens". Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
- ^ Casagrande, Michael (January 9, 2016). "Cyrus Jones lists one simple reason for Alabama's recent punt return success". AL.com. Archived from the original on September 21, 2018. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
- ^ Zenitz, Matt (January 2016). "Jake Coker, Cyrus Jones named Cotton Bowl Offensive, Defensive MVPs following Alabama win". AL.com. Archived from the original on September 21, 2018. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
- ^ Zierlein, Lance. "Cyrus Jones Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Archived from the original on February 7, 2017. Retrieved February 6, 2017..
- ^ "Cyrus Jones Draft Profile". NFLDraftScout.com. Archived from the original on February 7, 2017. Retrieved February 6, 2017..
- ^ "2016 NFL Draft Listing". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on July 11, 2019. Retrieved December 21, 2018.
- ^ "Cyrus Jones 2016 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on May 15, 2022. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
- ^ "Super Bowl LI – New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons – February 5th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 7, 2017. Retrieved September 2, 2017.
- ^ "Inactives: Super Bowl LI". New England Patriots. February 5, 2017. Archived from the original on September 9, 2017. Retrieved September 2, 2017.
- ^ Hill, Rich (September 1, 2017). "Patriots CB Cyrus Jones knee injury confirmed; out for the season". PatsPulpit.com. Archived from the original on June 8, 2022. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
- ^ "Patriots reach 53-man limit". Patriots.com. September 2, 2017. Archived from the original on November 28, 2017.
- ^ "Patriots Announce Roster Cutdown". Patriots.com. September 1, 2018. Archived from the original on November 28, 2022. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
- ^ Mink, Ryan (September 3, 2018). "Ravens Officially Add Cyrus Jones, Complete Practice Squad". BaltimoreRavens.com. Archived from the original on May 22, 2022. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
- ^ Reiss, Mike (September 19, 2018). "Seeking punt returner, Patriots sign CB Cyrus Jones". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on September 19, 2018. Retrieved September 19, 2018.
- ^ "Patriots release DB Cyrus Jones". Patriots.com. October 6, 2018. Archived from the original on November 29, 2022. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
- ^ Mink, Ryan (October 8, 2018). "Ravens Bring CB/RS Cyrus Jones Home ... Again". BaltimoreRavens.com. Archived from the original on June 2, 2022. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
- ^ "Philip Rivers, Amari Cooper among Players of the Week". NFL.com. November 28, 2018. Archived from the original on February 22, 2023. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
- ^ Hensley, Jamison (November 12, 2019). "Ravens add veteran DT Domata Peko in series of moves". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on August 23, 2022. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
- ^ Swanson, Ben (November 13, 2019). "Broncos claim CB Cyrus Jones off waivers, waive CB Coty Sensabaugh". DenverBroncos.com. Archived from the original on June 8, 2022. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
- ^ "Broncos claim DB Shakial Taylor off waivers from Colts". DenverBroncos.com. November 26, 2019. Archived from the original on June 5, 2022. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
- ^ Thomas, Oliver (May 9, 2016). "Patriots rookie Cyrus Jones plans to clamp down on social media". 247sports.com. Archived from the original on February 24, 2023. Retrieved December 21, 2018.
External links
[edit]- Career statistics from NFL.com · ESPN · Yahoo Sports · Pro Football Reference
- Alabama Crimson Tide bio
Cyrus Jones
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early years
Early life
Cyrus Jones was born on November 29, 1993, in Baltimore, Maryland, to parents Cyrus Jones Sr. and Tomika Jones.[1][8] Growing up in Baltimore, Jones was raised in a family that placed strong emphasis on education, hard work, and balancing academics with athletics. His father, a former college basketball player at West Virginia University, instilled these values by encouraging diligence and resilience, often drawing from his own experiences to motivate his son. Jones Sr. and Tomika stressed the importance of avoiding complacency and pursuing excellence in all endeavors, shaping Jones' disciplined approach to life and sports from a young age.[9] Jones gained early exposure to football through his father, who introduced him to the game and initially positioned him as a wide receiver, honing his speed and agility. As a lifelong Baltimore Ravens fan, Jones developed a deep connection to professional football, idolizing the team that represented his hometown pride and fueling his dreams of one day playing at that level.[10] In high school, he played both wide receiver and cornerback, among other positions.[11]High school career
Cyrus Jones attended the Gilman School in Baltimore, Maryland, where he emerged as a versatile athlete, playing wide receiver, running back, cornerback, and return specialist during his high school career.[12][13] As a senior in 2011, Jones showcased his offensive prowess by rushing for 948 yards and 13 touchdowns on 109 carries while catching 39 passes for 635 receiving yards and six touchdowns; he also contributed on defense with five interceptions and scored four touchdowns on special teams.[12][13] His performance helped lead Gilman to a 9-1 record and the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference championship.[12] Jones earned several accolades for his senior season, including the Maryland Gatorade Football Player of the Year award, first-team All-State honors, and selection to the 2012 Under Armour All-America Game, where he publicly announced his college commitment.[12][2] He had previously been named to the Baltimore Sun All-Metro team as a junior in 2010.[2] In the recruitment process, Jones received over 40 scholarship offers but narrowed his choices to a top five that included Alabama, Virginia Tech, Auburn, Ohio State, and Maryland, ultimately committing to the University of Alabama on January 5, 2012, citing strong bonds with the coaching staff—particularly assistant head coach Sal Sunseri—and the program's emphasis on football excellence and academics.[14][15]College career
University of Alabama
Jones arrived at the University of Alabama as a highly touted recruit and played as a true freshman wide receiver in 2012, appearing in 11 games primarily on special teams with eight punt returns for 61 yards and four receptions for 51 yards, while contributing to the Crimson Tide's national championship-winning season.[3] Prior to the 2013 season, head coach Nick Saban transitioned him to cornerback in the spring, a move that allowed Jones to leverage his athleticism on defense.[16] In his sophomore year, Jones appeared in all 14 games, recording 25 tackles, two interceptions, and five pass breakups, establishing himself as a key rotational player in Alabama's secondary during their SEC Championship campaign.[3][17] As a junior in 2014, Jones started 12 of 14 games at cornerback, tallying 46 tackles, three interceptions, 13 pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery, while also handling four punt returns for 82 yards.[3] His shutdown coverage earned him second-team All-SEC honors from the Associated Press and helped anchor the defense en route to an SEC title.[18] Over his career, Jones excelled as a punt returner, accumulating 673 yards and four touchdowns on 54 returns, showcasing his speed and vision that complemented his defensive role.[3] In his senior season of 2015, Jones started all 15 games, posting 37 tackles, two interceptions, seven pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery, while leading the nation with four punt return touchdowns and 530 return yards.[3] He earned Defensive MVP honors in the 2015 Cotton Bowl Classic semifinal against Michigan State, where he intercepted a pass and returned a punt 57 yards for a touchdown in Alabama's 38-0 victory.[19] Jones' tenacious coverage style led to his nickname "Clamp Clampington," coined by a friend after a standout performance, reflecting his ability to lock down receivers during Alabama's run to the 2015 national championship.[20]Defensive Statistics
| Season | Class | Games | Solo | Ast | Total Tackles | TFL | Sacks | INT | INT Yds | PD | FR | FF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | FR | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 | SO | 9 | 18 | 7 | 25 | 1.5 | 1.0 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | JR | 14 | 36 | 10 | 46 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 3 | 27 | 13 | 1 | 2 |
| 2015 | SR | 15 | 29 | 8 | 37 | 4.0 | 0.0 | 2 | 21 | 7 | 1 | 2 |
| Career | 49 | 83 | 25 | 108 | 7.5 | 1.0 | 7 | 49 | 25 | 2 | 4 |
Return Statistics
| Season | Class | Games | Punt Ret | Punt Yds | Avg | PR TD | Kick Ret | Kick Yds | Avg | KR TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | FR | 11 | 8 | 61 | 7.6 | 0 | 10 | 250 | 25.0 | 0 |
| 2013 | SO | 9 | 0 | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 0 |
| 2014 | JR | 14 | 4 | 82 | 20.5 | 0 | 4 | 77 | 19.3 | 0 |
| 2015 | SR | 15 | 42 | 530 | 12.6 | 4 | 1 | 24 | 24.0 | 0 |
| Career | 49 | 54 | 673 | 12.5 | 4 | 15 | 351 | 23.4 | 0 |
Professional career
2016 NFL Draft
Prior to the 2016 NFL Draft, Cyrus Jones was projected as a mid-round selection due to his versatility as a cornerback and return specialist, highlighted by his athletic profile at the NFL Scouting Combine.[21] He measured 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighed 197 pounds, recording a 40-yard dash time of 4.46 seconds, which underscored his speed and agility for both defensive and special teams roles.[22] Scouts praised his transition from wide receiver to cornerback at Alabama, noting his aggressive play style and potential to contribute immediately on returns, building on his college record of over 1,000 punt return yards.[23] The New England Patriots selected Jones in the second round with the 60th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.[24] This choice addressed the team's need for depth at cornerback and a dynamic returner, given Jones's combine performance and positional flexibility.[25] Following the draft, Jones signed a four-year rookie contract with the Patriots worth approximately $4.01 million, including a signing bonus of $1.11 million and $1.45 million in guaranteed money. The deal aligned with the standard slot value for a second-round pick at that position.[4] Initial expectations positioned him as a special teams asset, particularly for punt and kickoff returns, while serving as a developmental depth piece in the secondary.[26]New England Patriots (first stint)
Cyrus Jones began his NFL career with the New England Patriots after being selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he appeared in 10 games, starting one, and recorded seven tackles on defense. Jones primarily contributed on special teams as a return specialist, handling eight kickoff returns for 180 yards and 11 punt returns for 46 yards, though he struggled with ball security, fumbling five times on returns.[1][27] Despite his challenges, Jones was part of the Patriots' roster for Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons in February 2017. He was inactive for the game but received a championship ring as a member of the victorious team that staged a historic 28–3 comeback to win 34–28 in overtime.[28][24] Jones' 2017 season was derailed before it began when he suffered a torn ACL and partially torn meniscus in his right knee during the preseason finale against the New York Giants on August 31. He played in three preseason games prior to the injury but was placed on injured reserve, missing the entire regular season and postseason.[29][30] Following his recovery, Jones returned to the Patriots' training camp in 2018 but was waived on September 1 as part of final roster cuts to reach the 53-player limit.[31]Baltimore Ravens (first stint)
After being waived by the New England Patriots on September 1, 2018, Cyrus Jones signed with the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad on September 3.[32]New England Patriots (second stint)
On September 19, 2018, the New England Patriots signed cornerback Cyrus Jones off the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad to a two-year contract, bringing him back to the team for a second time after his initial release earlier that month.[33][34] This move addressed needs in the return game and provided depth at cornerback, leveraging Jones' familiarity with the Patriots' system from his rookie year.[35] During his brief return, Jones appeared in two games primarily in a special teams role, handling punt returns and contributing minimally on defense. He returned five punts for 45 yards, averaging 9.0 yards per return, and recorded one defensive tackle while playing just 10 defensive snaps.[36] Although his statistical output was limited, Jones demonstrated a noticeable shift in mindset following his 2017 ACL injury, adopting a more positive and stress-free approach to his career. In an interview, he stated, "I’ve just got a way more stress-free and positive approach to everything," reflecting greater maturity and embrace of the team's culture compared to his earlier tenure.[37] The Patriots released Jones on October 6, 2018, to create roster space amid a crowded depth chart at cornerback, ending his short second stint after he had been inactive for the previous game.[36][38]Baltimore Ravens (second stint)
On October 8, 2018, the Baltimore Ravens claimed Cyrus Jones off waivers from the New England Patriots, initiating his more extended period with the team after a brief earlier stint on their practice squad that September.[39] Jones made his Ravens debut on October 14 against the Tennessee Titans, recording four punt returns for 50 yards in 18 special teams snaps. Over the remainder of the 2018 season, he appeared in 11 games, logging 192 special teams snaps (66% of the team's total) and handling 18 punt returns for 259 yards, with minimal defensive participation (five total snaps). A highlight came on November 25, 2018, when Jones returned a punt 70 yards for a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders in Week 12, providing a pivotal score in the Ravens' 34-17 victory, marking his first NFL touchdown, and earning him AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.[40][41][42] As a Baltimore native, Jones expressed emotional significance in contributing to his hometown team during this period.[41] A Baltimore native and lifelong Ravens fan who attended Gilman School in the city, Jones relished the opportunity to play for his childhood favorite team, stating he would be "pumped up" for his first home game in front of local supporters.[43][44] Jones remained with the Ravens into the 2019 season under the final year of his rookie contract, playing in eight games mostly as the punt returner with 113 yards on 12 returns and limited defensive participation totaling just 11 snaps.[45][46][47] The Ravens waived Jones on November 12, 2019, as part of midseason roster adjustments to add defensive line depth.[46][48]Denver Broncos
On November 13, 2019, the Denver Broncos claimed cornerback Cyrus Jones off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens, who had released him the previous day.[49] Jones joined the Broncos' roster as depth in the secondary and on special teams but did not appear in any regular-season games during his brief tenure.[45] Later that month, on November 26, 2019, the Broncos placed Jones on the reserve/non-football injury list due to an undisclosed medical issue, in a corresponding move to claim defensive back Shakial Taylor off waivers.[50] The issue was later revealed as a congenital coronary defect, leading to open-heart surgery on December 12, 2019, after which he did not return to play. He remained on the list through the end of the 2019 season.[51] Jones' time with the Broncos marked the conclusion of his NFL career, as he appeared in a total of 31 games across four seasons without recording any statistics during his stint in Denver.[1] Following the 2019 season, he became an unrestricted free agent and did not sign with another NFL team thereafter.[52]Career statistics and accomplishments
NFL defensive and return statistics
Cyrus Jones' NFL defensive statistics primarily reflect his role as a cornerback with limited starting opportunities, totaling 19 combined tackles and 2 fumble recoveries across 31 games played.[1]| Year | Team | Games Played | Tackles (Comb/Solo/Ast) | Fumble Recoveries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | New England Patriots | 10 | 7 (3/4) | 2 |
| 2018 | New England Patriots | 2 | 1 (0/1) | 0 |
| 2018 | Baltimore Ravens | 11 | 7 (5/2) | 0 |
| 2019 | Baltimore Ravens | 8 | 4 (3/1) | 0 |
| Career Totals | 31 | 19 (11/8) | 2 |
| Year | Team | Games Played | Punt Returns (No./Yds/TD) | Kickoff Returns (No./Yds/TD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | New England Patriots | 10 | 11/46/0 | 8/180/0 |
| 2018 | New England Patriots | 2 | 5/45/0 | 0/0/0 |
| 2018 | Baltimore Ravens | 11 | 18/259/1 | 1/12/0 |
| 2019 | Baltimore Ravens | 8 | 12/113/0 | 0/0/0 |
| Career Totals | 31 | 46/463/1 | 9/192/0 |