Ernest Jones IV Bio
Ernest Jones IV is an American professional football linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League (NFL). Born on November 22, 1999, in Waycross, Georgia, Jones has established himself as one of the premier linebackers in professional football. He played college football for the South Carolina Gamecocks from 2018 to 2020 before being selected in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. Jones has won two Super Bowls and earned Second-team All-Pro honors, making him one of the most accomplished linebackers of his generation.
Early Life and Background
Ernest Jones IV grew up in Waycross, Georgia, where he attended Ware County High School. During his senior season, Jones recorded 112 tackles with six tackles for loss, two sacks, and three forced fumbles. His outstanding performance earned him first-team All-Class AAAAA honors, showcasing his ability to make an impact at both the defensive line and linebacker positions. His high school career demonstrated the versatility and playmaking ability that would define his professional career.
Jones was a highly decorated recruit who drew interest from multiple Power Five programs. He ultimately chose to continue his academic and athletic career at the University of South Carolina, turning down scholarship offers from Georgia Tech and Duke. His decision to join the South Carolina Gamecocks marked the beginning of his journey toward professional football.
Path to Professional Football
Jones arrived at the University of South Carolina in 2018 as a freshman and appeared in five games, recording 16 tackles and forcing one fumble. His limited action as a true freshman demonstrated the coaches’ confidence in his potential while allowing him to develop at the collegiate level. The following year, Jones earned a starting role and immediately made an impact by leading the team with 97 tackles during his sophomore season.
Prior to his junior year, Jones underwent an appendectomy that caused him to miss most of South Carolina’s preseason training camp. Despite the setback, he returned to lead the team for the second consecutive season with 86 tackles, including five tackles for loss. His consistent production and leadership prompted Jones to make the decision to forgo his senior season and enter the 2021 NFL Draft, where professional scouts had identified him as a promising interior linebacker prospect.
Ernest Jones IV Career
Los Angeles Rams (2021–2023)
Jones was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the third round with the 103rd overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract on July 22, 2021. Entering his rookie season as a backup inside linebacker behind Kenny Young and Troy Reeder, Jones waited for his opportunity to become a starter. His patience paid off when the Rams traded Young prior to Week 8, thrusting Jones into a starting role that he would maintain for the remainder of his tenure with the organization.
During his rookie campaign, Jones recorded 61 tackles and one sack through 15 games with seven starts. He intercepted a pass from Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray in Week 14 and added four passes defensed and two interceptions overall. A high ankle sprain in Week 16 ended his regular season, but Jones was activated in time for the playoffs. In the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers, he contributed two tackles as a backup. In Super Bowl LVI against the Cincinnati Bengals, Jones got the start at inside linebacker and recorded seven tackles with one sack and a pass defensed as the Rams captured their first championship since 1999.
Prior to the 2022 season, Jones announced he would change his jersey number from 50 to 53, a decision announced during the team’s voluntary minicamp in May. That season, he continued his development by finishing with 114 tackles, one interception, two passes defended, and one forced fumble. In 2023, Jones became a full-time starter, appearing in 15 games and leading the team with 145 tackles, cementing his status as a foundational piece of the Rams defense.
Tennessee Titans (2024)
Prior to the 2024 season, the Los Angeles Rams traded Jones to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round draft pick. The Rams also received a 2026 sixth-round pick in the deal. Jones played six games with the Titans, making 44 tackles and deflections, but his time in Tennessee proved brief as he would soon find his permanent home.
Seattle Seahawks (2024–Present)
On October 23, 2024, Jones was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for Jerome Baker and a 2025 fourth-round draft pick. He immediately became a starting linebacker for Seattle, playing 10 games and recording 94 tackles, 0.5 sacks, one interception, and one forced fumble. His mid-season acquisition provided the Seahawks defense with a proven leader and playmaker in the middle of their formation.
On March 11, 2025, Jones re-signed with the Seahawks on a three-year, $33 million contract with $15 million guaranteed, securing his long-term future with the organization. The investment reflected the team’s confidence in his ability to anchor their defense for years to come. In Week 13 of the 2025 season, Jones delivered a dominant performance against the Minnesota Vikings, recording 12 tackles, two pass breakups, and two interceptions, returning one for an 85-yard touchdown in the 26-0 shutout victory. His exceptional play earned him NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. On February 8, 2026, Jones won his second Super Bowl as the Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX. He recorded 11 tackles, including 10 solo stops, in the championship game.
Driving Style and Strengths
Jones is known for his exceptional football intelligence and ability to diagnose plays quickly, allowing him to flow to the ball with precision. His instincts in run defense enable him to fill gaps effectively and make tackles in the backfield. Jones possesses the speed and coverage ability to match up against tight ends and running backs in the passing game, making him a three-down linebacker capable of handling any assignment. His leadership qualities and communication skills allow him to orchestrate the defense from the linebacker position.
Notable Events and Milestones
Jones’s career has been defined by championship success and individual accolades. Winning Super Bowl LVI with the Rams as a rookie starter represented an extraordinary beginning to his professional career. His second championship with the Seahawks in Super Bowl LX further cemented his legacy as a winner who elevates his team in crucial moments. Earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week in 2025 highlighted his ability to take over games with game-changing plays like his 85-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Vikings.
Ernest Jones IV Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career spanning from 2021 to 2026, Jones has established himself as one of the most productive and reliable linebackers in the league. His tackle numbers have consistently ranked among the league leaders, and his ability to make plays in coverage has made him a complete defender at the position.
Regular Season Highlights
Jones has accumulated 584 career tackles, 6.5 sacks, 23 passes defensed, 9 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 defensive touchdown across his NFL career. His rookie season saw him record 61 tackles and 2 interceptions while appearing in 15 games. His 2023 season represented his best statistical year with the Rams, as he led the team with 145 tackles while starting 15 games. In his inaugural season with the Seahawks, Jones recorded 94 tackles in just 10 games, demonstrating his high-impact play.
Postseason Highlights
In five postseason games, Jones has recorded 20 tackles, 1 sack, and 2 passes defensed. His most memorable postseason performance came in Super Bowl LVI, where his one sack and consistent tackling helped secure the championship for the Rams. His 11-tackle performance in Super Bowl LX proved instrumental in the Seahawks’ victory over the Patriots.
| Season | Team | Tackles | Sacks | Interceptions | Passes Defensed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Los Angeles Rams | 61 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| 2022 | Los Angeles Rams | 114 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| 2023 | Los Angeles Rams | 145 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | Tennessee Titans/Seattle Seahawks | 138 | 0.5 | 1 | 3 |
| 2025 | Seattle Seahawks | 126 | 5 | 5 | 14 |
Ernest Jones IV Family
Family Background
Ernest Jones IV was born and raised in Waycross, Georgia, where he attended Ware County High School. His roots in the small Georgia town shaped his character and work ethic, traits that have translated to his professional football career. The support system from his hometown provided a strong foundation as he pursued his dreams of playing at the highest level of the sport.
Personal Life
Jones is a Christian who credits his faith for guiding him through the challenges of professional athletics. He married his high school girlfriend, Tyra, in September 2023, celebrating their long-lasting relationship with a wedding ceremony surrounded by family and friends. The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Ernest Jones V, in July 2024. Jones frequently shares glimpses of his family life on social media, demonstrating his commitment to balancing his professional career with his responsibilities as a husband and father.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a breakthrough year for Jones as he established himself as one of the premier linebackers in the NFL following his long-term signing with the Seattle Seahawks. After signing his three-year, $33 million contract in March, Jones entered the season with the security of a long-term deal and the motivation to prove he was worth the significant investment. His partnership with the Seahawks coaching staff allowed him to fully showcase his abilities in a system designed to maximize his strengths.
Jones’s season reached its pinnacle in Week 13 when he delivered a historically dominant performance against the Minnesota Vikings. His two-interception game with one returned for a touchdown, combined with 12 tackles and two pass breakups, earned him NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors and drew national attention to his playmaking ability. The Seahawks’ defense relied heavily on Jones’s leadership throughout the season, as his communication and sideline-to-sideline range made him the anchor of the unit.
The Seahawks’ season culminated in a dramatic playoff run that ended with Jones capturing his second Super Bowl championship in Super Bowl LX. His 11-tackle performance in the championship game demonstrated his ability to elevate his play when it mattered most. Following the Super Bowl victory, Jones was recognized with Second-team All-Pro honors, validating his status among the league’s elite defenders. The combination of championship success and individual accolades positioned Jones as one of the most respected linebackers in professional football heading into the 2026 season.