It is yet another dark day for fans in the NFL. The New York Giants have lost one of their most legendary wide receivers, Homer Jones. The news of Jones’ death was confirmed by his daughter, Lacorral Jones Nickelberry while speaking to KLTV in Pittsburgh. Making two Pro Bowls in 1967 and 1968, Jones passed away at the age of 82, after fighting a long bout with lung cancer. He had a career-high of 49 passes and 1,209 yards in the 1967 season.

Homer Jones had a glorious career in the NFL. During his playing days, he was credited to be the inventor of one of the most famous moves used by former NFL player Rob Gronkowski after scoring a touchdown.

Homer Jones invented the touchdown spike

The New York Giants took to social media to share a photo of their legendary WR to mourn the loss of his life. In the caption, they wrote, “Remembering Giants legend Homer Jones, one of the most prolific wide receivers in our history.”  Jones was a native of Pittsburg.  He was selected in the 20th round by the Houston Oilers (Tennessee Titans) back in the 1963 AFL draft.  But his stint with the Oilers was short-lived as he suffered from a knee injury in training camp after which the team cut him from the roster. This led to the Giants acquiring the WR, after agreeing to offer Jones a plane ticket to New York and also pay for his knee surgery. 

Homer Jones enjoyed quite the success in the league back in the 1960s. He was known for his speed, and would also become one of the favorites to play alongside Hall Of Famer Fran Tarkenton during his five-season stint with the Giants. Back then, players would celebrate touchdowns by throwing the ball into the stands, leading to a $50 fine by the league. So Jones invented the iconic spike touchdown celebration to save himself from being fined. This legendary celebration was innovated when Homer Jones scored an 89-yard touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles.

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The news of Jones’ death comes hours after another young footballer lost his life in a tragic incident.

Dion Stutts passes away after a tragic ATV incident

Prior to Jones’ death, another young 18-year-old footballer lost his life in a tragic incident. Dion Stutts was a high school footballer at the University of Memphis and a University of Arkansas commit. Stuttss was a defensive lineman who committed to play for the Razorbacks as a part of the 2024 recruiting class. But according to Memphis University football coach and athletic director Bobby Alston, Stutts lost his life after an alleged ATV incident on his farm in Batesville, Mississippi area. While further details surrounding his death are unclear, the Panola County Sheriff’s office states that the accident is being currently investigated.  

As the families mourn the loss of their loved ones, we extend our condolences to the families and friends of both Homer Jones and Dion Stutts. 

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