New York Giants Legend Who Gave the NFL the Ultimate Touchdown Spike Leaves Football World Teary Eyed Following Death News

Celebrations are important in football. With every player grueling to make just one six-point touchdown, there is no reason for any players to hold back as they conquer the field. Interestingly, there are several ways for NFL players to celebrate running a touchdown or even making a brilliant play. One of the most famous ones has been spiking the football in the end zone.

Over the years, fans have seen all of their favorite tight ends, running backs, wide receivers, and sometimes even quarterbacks going into the end zone after getting battered by the defense. As they make their brilliant play, they spike the ball into the ground, with all their force. However, one might wonder, who invented this celebration? It was none other than Homer Jones. Sadly, on 14th June 2023,  the NFL world mourns his passing.

Inventor of the spike celebration in the NFL

Homer Jones was a brilliant offensive end who played for the New York Giants. He was and to this is largely considered one of the first players to spike the ball as a celebration. Homer, a Pittsburgh native has passed away at the age of 82. Per KLTV, his daughter, Lacarroll Jones Nickelberry, confirmed the death. Jones was battling lung cancer when he passed away. He is survived by his six children.

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His contributions to the game were ample with his brilliant celebration. His habit of celebrating with a spike came after he was overcome with emotion and wanted to throw the ball into the stands. However, he knew he would be fined for that. To prevent this he threw the ball straight into the ground, creating the spike. Moreover, the spike is just one brilliance of his career.

Jones’ brilliant career

Apart from the spike’s invention, Jones has had an illustrious time in the NFL. While he was drafted by the Houston Oilers in the 5th round of his AFL draft class, the Giants ended up selecting him in the 20th round of the NFL draft.  He became a 2-time Pro-Bowler with the Giants. He even led the league with 13 touchdown catches in 1967. Ultimately he walked away from the game after the 1970 season. However, he ended his season with 224 catches for 4,986 yards and 36 touchdowns.

All in all, Jones had an illustrious career with a brilliant and fun contribution. The whole NFL world is sure to mourn the death of a legend like him.

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