Deion Jones Bio
Deion Jones is an American professional football linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He played college football for the LSU Tigers and was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Jones has established himself as a versatile and athletic linebacker known for his speed, coverage abilities, and playmaking skills. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2017 and has accumulated significant career statistics including over 760 tackles, 13 interceptions, and 12 sacks during his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Deion Jones was born on November 4, 1994, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He attended Jesuit High School in New Orleans, where he was a three-year starter at middle linebacker. During his senior year, he recorded 179 tackles, eight sacks, and three interceptions, helping lead his team to the LHSAA Class 5A quarterfinals.
Regarded as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, Jones was ranked as the No. 31 outside linebacker prospect in the class of 2012. He originally committed to Nebraska in August 2011 but changed his commitment to Louisiana State after receiving a late offer in December 2011.
Path to the NFL
At LSU, Jones played under head coach Les Miles from 2012 to 2015. He was a backup for his first three years, appearing in 39 games with one start. As a freshman, he recorded 23 total tackles. As a junior, he recorded 26 total tackles with 3.5 tackles-for-loss.
As a senior in 2015, Jones became a starter for the first time and had a breakout season. He recorded 100 total tackles with 13.5 tackles-for-loss, five sacks, two interceptions, one pick-six, three passes defended, and one forced fumble. He was a finalist for the Butkus Award, which honors the top linebacker in college football.
Jones accepted an invitation to play in the 2016 Senior Bowl, where he recorded six combined tackles. At the NFL Scouting Combine, he ran a 40-yard dash in 4.40 seconds, which would have finished first among all linebackers. His exceptional performance dramatically increased his draft stock.
Deion Jones Career
Atlanta Falcons (2016–2022)
The Atlanta Falcons selected Jones in the second round with the 52nd overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year, $4.54 million contract in May 2016. Throughout training camp, he competed against veteran Paul Worrilow for the starting middle linebacker job, with Worrilow serving as a mentor even as Jones was drafted to eventually replace him.
Jones made his NFL debut and first start in the season-opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He recorded his first NFL interception and 90-yard touchdown return in Week 3 against the New Orleans Saints. He finished his rookie season with 108 combined tackles, 11 pass deflections, three interceptions, and two touchdowns in 15 games with 13 starts, earning PFWA All-Rookie Team honors.
In 2017, Jones earned his first Pro Bowl selection after leading the team with 138 combined tackles, 10 pass deflections, and three interceptions in 16 games. He also recorded his first NFL sack and was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Saints. The Falcons made the playoffs, and Jones started his first NFL playoff game, recording five tackles and an interception against Russell Wilson in the Divisional Round.
Jones continued his strong play through the 2019 and 2020 seasons. In 2019, he recorded his first interception of the season in the regular season-finale against the Buccaneers and returned it 27 yards for a touchdown on the first play of overtime to secure a 28-22 victory, earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. With that return touchdown, he broke the Falcons franchise record for most interceptions returned for touchdowns. In 2020, he had 4.5 sacks, 106 total tackles, two interceptions, six passes defended, and one forced fumble. In 2021, he recorded 137 total tackles, two sacks, six passes defended, and one forced fumble.
Cleveland Browns (2022)
On October 10, 2022, the Falcons traded Jones to the Cleveland Browns for a 2024 sixth-round pick. He was activated off injured reserve later that month and finished the season with 44 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, one interception, and one forced fumble in 11 games with five starts.
Carolina Panthers (2023)
Jones signed with the Carolina Panthers on July 31, 2023. He was released during final roster cuts in August but re-signed to the practice squad and was later promoted to the active roster.
Buffalo Bills (2024)
On May 3, 2024, Jones signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills. He was released on August 25, 2024.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2024–Present)
On December 10, 2024, Jones was signed to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract on January 14, 2025, securing his spot with the team for the 2025 season.
Playing Style and Strengths
Jones is known for his exceptional speed for the linebacker position, which allows him to cover a lot of ground in the middle of the field. His 40-yard dash time of 4.40 seconds at the combine was among the fastest recorded for a linebacker. He excels in pass coverage and is effective against the run. His ability to read plays and react quickly makes him a versatile defender who can make plays in the backfield, defend passes, and force turnovers.
Notable Events and Milestones
Jones earned his Pro Bowl selection in 2017 after a standout season with 138 tackles. His most memorable moments include multiple game-sealing interceptions against Drew Brees and breaking the Falcons franchise record for career interception return touchdowns with six total. He has been named NFC Defensive Player of the Week on several occasions throughout his career, highlighting his consistent impact on defense.
Deion Jones Career Statistics
Jones has built an impressive statistical profile across nine NFL seasons with multiple teams. His career totals include 761 total tackles, 12 sacks, 53 pass deflections, 13 interceptions, 5 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 5 defensive touchdowns. His consistency and ability to make game-changing plays have made him a valuable asset at the linebacker position throughout his career.
NFL Career Highlights
Jones was named to the Pro Bowl in 2017 after leading the Atlanta Falcons with 138 combined tackles. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2016. His ability to create turnovers is evident in his 13 career interceptions, five of which he returned for touchdowns. He has recorded double-digit pass deflections in multiple seasons and has consistently been among the team leaders in tackles throughout his career.
Other Achievements
Jones has earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors multiple times during his career. His performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2019, where he returned an interception 27 yards for a touchdown on the first play of overtime to secure victory, was one of his signature moments. That performance broke the Falcons franchise record for career interception return touchdowns.
Family
Family Background and Naming
Jones was named after Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders, with his father choosing the name in admiration of the NFL legend. His father also gave him the nickname “Debo,” which is a portmanteau combining the names Deion Sanders and Bo Jackson.
Personal Life
Jones earned the nickname “War Daddy” during his collegiate career at LSU. He has maintained a strong presence on social media and continues to stay connected to his New Orleans roots. He attended Jesuit High School in New Orleans, where he began developing the skills that would eventually carry him to the NFL.
2025 Season Outlook
Jones joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad in December 2024 and signed a reserve-future contract in January 2025. He will look to earn a spot on the active roster and contribute to a Buccaneers defense seeking to improve upon recent seasons. His experience and playmaking ability could provide valuable depth at linebacker for Tampa Bay as they prepare for the 2025 campaign.