Jimmy Jones (quarterback) facts for kids

Jimmy Jones was a talented American football player. He was born on June 23, 1950. Jimmy became an all-star quarterback in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played for the Montreal Alouettes, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and Ottawa Rough Riders. He helped the Alouettes win a big championship called the Grey Cup in 1974.

Early Football Days

Jimmy Jones played football at John Harris High School in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He quickly became one of the best quarterbacks in the country.

He became the main quarterback in his junior year. He threw and ran for over 2,300 yards and scored 20 touchdowns. In his senior year, he did even better. He gained 2,400 yards and scored 40 touchdowns!

In 1968, Jimmy was named to the first team All-American High School team. Many colleges wanted him to play for them. He was so good that his high school retired his number 10 jersey. This means no other player at that school would wear his number again. John Harris High School later joined with William Penn High School in 1971. It became Harrisburg High School.

College Football Career

Jimmy Jones went to the University of Southern California (USC). He was one of the few African American starting quarterbacks in top college football at that time. He helped break down barriers during his college career.

In 1969, as a sophomore, he helped USC have an amazing season. They didn't lose any games (10 wins, 0 losses, 1 tie). They also won the 1969 Rose Bowl against the University of Michigan. The team was ranked third in the nation. They were known as the "Cardiac Kids." This was because they often won games with exciting, last-minute plays.

Jimmy Jones was also the first African American quarterback to be on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine. This happened on September 29, 1969.

In 1970, he was part of USC's "all-black" backfield. This was the first time a top college team had an all-black group of running players. It included fullback Sam Cunningham and running back Clarence Davis.

Jimmy Jones and four other African American starters from USC played against an all-white University of Alabama team. USC won the game 42–21 in Birmingham on September 12, 1970. This game was very important in history. It helped convince the University of Alabama to allow African American players on its football team.

Playing in the CFL

Montreal Alouettes Years

After college, Jimmy Jones didn't get picked by any NFL teams right away. So, in 1973, he signed to play in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He joined the Montreal Alouettes.

In the 1974 season, Jimmy had his best year. He threw for 2,297 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also ran for 577 yards and 5 touchdowns. He was chosen as an Eastern All-Star quarterback. That year, he helped his team win the 1974 Grey Cup championship.

In the 1975 season, the Alouettes made it to the 1975 Grey Cup again. But this time, they lost to the Edmonton Eskimos. It was a very cold day. Jimmy had trouble with a snap on a last-second field goal attempt. The Alouettes lost the game by just one point.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Ottawa Rough Riders

Jimmy Jones then signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 1976. He played for them for three years.

In 1979, he joined the Ottawa Rough Riders. Jimmy spent his last season as a backup player. He didn't play much that year.

Career Statistics

Here are Jimmy Jones's regular season statistics from his CFL career: