Rams to retire No. 75, worn by Deacon Jones
Kathleen Nelson gives us the following update:
Better late than never, the St. Louis Rams will retire No. 75, worn by Hall of Fame defensive end Deacon Jones, who played for the Rams from 1961 to 1971 and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1980.
For St. Louis Rams fans who are unfamiliar with Jones, here are a few career highlights:
Nicknames surrounded Jones, born in 1938 in Eatonville, Fla. He is credited with coining the term “sack the quarterback” and was nicknamed Secretary of Defense. Through most of the ‘60s, Jones teamed with Merlin Olsen, Lamar Lundy and Rosey Grier to make up the defensive line known as the Fearsome Foursome.
Jones accumulated 159.5 sacks with the Los Angeles Rams, 173.5 in his career. After leaving the Rams, Jones played for Chargers and Redskins. Other achievements include:
First defensive lineman to record 100 solo tackles in a single season, 1967.
Two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 1967 and 1968.
Nine-time Pro Bowler.
Member of the NFL’s all-Decade team in the 1960s.
Member of the NFL’s 75th Anniversary team in 1994.
No word on when the Rams will hold the retirement ceremony.
About time! One has to wonder why it took so long!
It is a travesty that Deacon Jones went this long without having his number retired. The Rams organization should be embarrassed that it took this long. One of the greatest players in the history of the game, very possibly the best player in Rams history. What an embarrassment that it took this long.
This is well deserved recognition of Deacon, but one wonders if the Rams are doing this because they feel it was deserved, or if they’re just trying to boost ticket sales? Or maybe both. Maybe they wanted to do this 10 years ago, but figured they’d wait until it could benefit the organization a more. I’m betting the Rams will be holding the retirement ceremony prior to a home game this season, and they’ll likely pick one of the games that has low projected ticket sales.
About time…
b - That is just smart business, why would you pick a guarantee sellout. When the revenue could come from a lesser revenue game.
Nine-time Pro Bowler. Did this guy ever beat Dick Weber?
long over due got paid very little for what he did did not conplaine
Way over due!
Thank you Chip for finally doing the right thing. Mr Jones has been deserving of this honor for quite sometime. Who cares why now or what game. Please make it a joyous celebration for a individual that gave the Rams everything he had on the field as a player while his eyes can see the appreciation. St. Louis Rams fans and LA Rams fans let’s do our part to honor Mr. Jones. Chip bring in all the men of the Fearsome Foursome that are live and able to come to this long over due and well deserving number retiring celebration.
Congratulation Big # 75! With Yo Bad Self!
” Secretary of Defense Deacon Jones “
This is a “Hall of Fame” move.
Nice to hear it ‘Deaconator”, about time, Congrats!