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Chandler Jones
Chandler Jones
Jones with the New England Patriots in 2013
Position: Defensive end
Personal information
Born: (1990-02-27) February 27, 1990 (age 35)
Rochester, New York, U.S.
Height: 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight: 265 lb (120 kg)
Career information
High school: Union-Endicott
(Endicott, New York)
College: Syracuse (2008–2011)
NFL Draft: 2012 / Round: 1 / Pick: 21
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of 2023
Total tackles: 511
Sacks: 112
Forced fumbles: 34
Fumble recoveries: 13
Pass deflections: 30
Interceptions: 1
Touchdowns: 3
Player stats at PFR

Chandler James Jones (born February 27, 1990) is an American professional football player. He plays as a defensive end, a position where players try to stop the opposing team's offense. Jones played college football for the Syracuse Orange. He was chosen by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft. He has also played for the Arizona Cardinals and the Las Vegas Raiders.

Chandler is part of a family of athletes. His older brother, Jon Jones, is a famous mixed martial artist. His other older brother, Arthur Jones, also played in the NFL.

Early Life and High School Football

Chandler Jones was born in Rochester, New York. He grew up playing high school football at Union-Endicott High School. During his time there, he was recognized as one of the top football players in New York state.

College Football Career

Jones went to Syracuse University and played college football for the Syracuse Orange from 2008 to 2011. After not playing in his first year, he became an important player for the team.

In 2009, he played in 12 games and made 52 tackles. In 2010, he had 57 tackles and four sacks. A sack is when a defensive player tackles the opposing team's quarterback behind the line of scrimmage.

In 2011, even though he played in only seven games due to an injury, he was still chosen for the All-Big East team. He had 39 tackles and 4.5 sacks that year.

Jones decided to enter the 2012 NFL draft after his junior year. He later went back to Syracuse University and finished his degree in child and family studies in 2020.

Professional Football Journey

Chandler Jones was considered one of the best defensive players available in the 2012 NFL draft.

Playing for the New England Patriots

The New England Patriots picked Jones as the 21st player overall in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He was the first player from Syracuse to be drafted so high in many years.

Rookie Season in 2012

As a rookie, Jones immediately became a starter for the Patriots. In his very first game, he caused the opposing quarterback to fumble the ball, which led to a touchdown for his team. He continued to make big plays, getting sacks and forcing fumbles throughout the season. In 14 games, he had 45 tackles and six sacks. He was also named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team, which recognizes the best new players in the league.

Strong Performance in 2013

In 2013, Jones played in all 16 games. He scored his first career touchdown by recovering a fumbled ball in the end zone. He had a great season with 42 tackles and 11.5 sacks, showing he was a key player for the Patriots' defense.

Super Bowl Champion in 2014

Jones continued to perform well in 2014, recording 43 tackles and six sacks in 10 games. In one game, he blocked a field goal attempt and ran it back for a touchdown. This earned him the AFC Defensive Player of the Week award. On February 1, 2015, Jones and the Patriots won Super Bowl XLIX, defeating the Seattle Seahawks. He had one sack and three tackles in the championship game.

Career High Sacks in 2015

In 2015, the Patriots extended Jones's contract. He had his best season yet, leading the team with 12.5 sacks. He also made his first career interception. His impressive play led to him being ranked among the top 50 players in the NFL by his fellow players.

Moving to the Arizona Cardinals

On March 15, 2016, Jones was traded to the Arizona Cardinals.

Impactful Seasons in Arizona

In his first season with the Cardinals in 2016, Jones started all 16 games. He recorded 49 tackles, 11 sacks, and four forced fumbles.

Chandler Jones 2017
Jones in 2017

In 2017, the Cardinals signed Jones to a big contract extension. He had an amazing year, leading the entire league with 17.0 sacks, which set a new record for the Cardinals team. He was named to his second Pro Bowl and earned First-team All-Pro honors. He was also a finalist for the Defensive Player of the Year award.

In 2018, Jones continued to be a dominant force, finishing with 13 sacks. He earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week for a game where he had a sack, forced a fumble, and recovered it.

Record-Breaking 2019 Season

The 2019 season was another standout year for Jones. He set new career highs with 19 sacks and eight forced fumbles. In two different games, he sacked the opposing quarterback four times, earning him NFC Defensive Player of the Week awards. He was named to his third Pro Bowl and earned First-team All-Pro honors again. He was also recognized as one of the best defensive players of the 2010s decade.

Injury and Return in 2020-2021

In 2020, Jones suffered a torn bicep injury early in the season, which ended his year. He returned strong in 2021. In Week 1, he had an incredible five sacks, tying a team record and earning him NFC Defensive Player of the Week. He finished the season with 10.5 sacks and was named to the Pro Bowl again.

Time with the Las Vegas Raiders

On March 17, 2022, Jones signed a three-year contract with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Key Plays in 2022

In Week 13 of the 2022 season, Jones had three sacks and earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week. A memorable moment happened in Week 15 against his former team, the New England Patriots. With the game tied, Jones intercepted a backward pass and ran it into the end zone for a game-winning touchdown. This play was ruled a fumble return. His season ended early due to an elbow injury.

NFL Career Statistics

Chandler Jones has had a long and successful career in the NFL. Here are some of his career totals:

  • Total tackles: 511
  • Sacks: 112
  • Forced fumbles: 34
  • Fumble recoveries: 13
  • Interceptions: 1
  • Touchdowns: 3

Personal Life

Chandler Jones is the youngest of his siblings. His older brother, Arthur, also played as a defensive end in the NFL. His other brother, Jon Jones, is a well-known mixed martial artist.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Chandler Jones para niños

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