Vi Jones Bio
Vi Jones is an American professional football linebacker who has played for multiple NFL teams since beginning his professional career in 2022. Born in Austin, Texas, Jones went undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft but signed with the Seattle Seahawks as a free agent. Throughout his NFL journey, he has developed a reputation as a special teams contributor while continuing to work toward a larger role on defense. Jones comes from a distinguished football family, with his father and brother both having played at the highest level of the sport.
Early Life and Background
Vi Jones was born on May 5, 1998, in Austin, Texas. He grew up in a football-oriented household as the son of Robert Jones, a former NFL linebacker who enjoyed a 10-season career in professional football. This family legacy provided Jones with early exposure to the sport and valuable mentorship from an early age. His father’s experience in the NFL gave Vi insight into the demands and expectations of professional football from childhood.
Jones attended Westlake High School in Austin, Texas, where he developed his skills as a linebacker. Growing up in Texas, a state known for its competitive high school football programs, Jones faced strong competition that helped prepare him for the next level of his football journey.
Path to Professional Football
After completing high school, Jones pursued collegiate football at the University of Southern California, joining the USC Trojans from 2017 to 2018. Playing for a prestigious football program known for producing NFL talent, Jones continued developing his abilities at the linebacker position. His performance at USC laid the foundation for his professional aspirations.
Jones then transferred to North Carolina State University, joining the NC State Wolfpack for the 2019 through 2021 seasons. This transition to a strong Atlantic Coast Conference program allowed him to further refine his skills against high-level collegiate competition. His career at NC State represented a significant step in his development as a potential NFL prospect.
Despite his collegiate experience and development, Jones was not selected in the 2022 NFL Draft. However, his college career and family football background attracted attention from NFL teams seeking undrafted free agent talent.
Vi Jones Career
Early Career (2022)
After going unselected in the 2022 NFL Draft, Jones signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent. He was waived during final roster cuts on August 30, 2022, but was signed to the Seahawks practice squad the following day. This experience of being waived and then signed to the practice squad taught Jones valuable lessons about perseverance in the competitive NFL environment.
Jones was elevated to the Seahawks active roster on November 12, 2022, and made his professional debut the following day against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 10, appearing in 10 special teams snaps. He continued to be cycled between the active roster and practice squad throughout the remainder of the season, playing in the Seahawks Week 13 and Week 14 games. Jones was elevated to the active roster for the final time on December 31, 2022. In total, he appeared in three games for the Seahawks during his rookie season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2023–2024)
On August 29, 2023, Jones was waived by the Seattle Seahawks. He signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad on November 22, 2023. Jones was released from the Buccaneers practice squad on December 12, 2023, but was re-signed to the practice squad on December 19, 2023. He was again released on January 10, 2024.
Jones signed a reserve/future contract with the Buccaneers on January 30, 2024. He was waived by Tampa Bay on August 27, 2024, during final roster cuts but was re-signed to the practice squad. Jones was promoted to the active roster on November 29, 2024. Throughout his tenure with the Buccaneers, Jones contributed primarily on special teams while continuing to develop as a linebacker.
Arizona Cardinals (2024–Present)
On December 30, 2024, Jones was claimed off waivers by the Arizona Cardinals. This move provided Jones with a fresh opportunity to continue his NFL career with a new organization. Joining the Cardinals late in the 2024 season, Jones brought his experience from his time with the Seahawks and Buccaneers to his new team.
Jones participated in the Arizona Cardinals training camp and preseason activities in 2025 following his claim late in the previous season. The Cardinals organization provided him with an opportunity to compete for a roster spot and demonstrate his abilities during the 2025 offseason program.
Playing Style and Strengths
Throughout his NFL career, Jones has established himself primarily as a special teams contributor. His ability to perform on special teams units has been his pathway to the active roster at each of his NFL stops. Jones brings the football intelligence and instincts that come from growing up in a football family, particularly understanding the nuances of the linebacker position from his father Robert’s NFL experience.
Notable Events and Milestones
Jones made his NFL debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on November 13, 2022, marking a significant milestone in his professional career. Throughout his time with the Seahawks, he demonstrated the ability to step in and contribute on special teams when called upon. His journey from being undrafted to appearing in NFL games represents the perseverance required for players to establish themselves in the league.
Vi Jones Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career, Jones has appeared in a limited number of games, primarily contributing on special teams. His career statistics reflect his role as a depth player working to earn additional opportunities.
| Season | Team | Games | Total Tackles | Forced Fumbles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Seattle Seahawks | 3 | 9 | 2 |
| 2024 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Vi Jones Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Vi Jones comes from a distinguished football family with multiple generations of NFL experience. His father, Robert Jones, played linebacker in the NFL for 10 seasons, establishing a successful professional career that set a high standard for his son. This family legacy provided Vi with unique insight into the demands of professional football from an early age.
The Jones family’s football achievements extend beyond Robert. Vi’s brother Zay Jones is currently a wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals, making the brothers’ current connection to the Cardinals organization a notable aspect of Vi’s career. Another brother, Cayleb Jones, previously played as a wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings. The family’s football accomplishments also include their uncle Jeff Blake, who played quarterback in the NFL. This multi-generational football lineage has clearly influenced Vi’s career path and development as a professional athlete.
Personal Life
As the son of a former NFL player and brother to current and former NFL players, Jones has been immersed in football culture throughout his life. His family’s experience in professional sports has provided him with guidance, support, and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest level of football. Jones maintains an active presence on social media, connecting with fans through his verified accounts on X and Instagram.
2025 Season Outlook
Following his claim by the Arizona Cardinals in late December 2024, Jones entered the 2025 season with an opportunity to compete for a more substantial role with his new team. The Cardinals provided him with the chance to participate in their full offseason program, including organized team activities and minicamp. His experience from previous seasons with the Seahawks and Buccaneers positioned him as a veteran presence in the Cardinals linebacker room.
Jones’s ability to contribute on special teams remains his primary strength and most reliable pathway to earning playing time. As he works to establish himself with the Cardinals organization, his football pedigree and family connections to the Cardinals through his brother Zay Jones provide a unique context for his professional journey. The 2025 season offers Jones the opportunity to build on his limited NFL experience and compete for a more consistent role on the Cardinals defense.