Homer Jones: First To Spike A Football After TD...Dies...

 

By EDUARDO PAZ-MARTINEZ

McALLEN, Texas | Quarterback Fran Tarkenton once said Homer Jones, his deep-threat wide receiver with the New York Giants, was even faster than Olympian Bullet Bob Hayes. Who knows about that, but what we do know is that fleet-footed Homer Jones died Wednesday at the age of 82.

His fame: Well, he set the mark for yards-per-catch (22.3 yards), but he is also credited with being the first to score a National Football League touchdown and "spike" the ball.

That may seem an insignificant thing, but it's pretty much the practice of all scorers these days, some taking it a step farther and going "full-funny" on it. The spike today is often followed by players doing the Griddy dance or choreographed group celebrations, like the Dallas Cowboys' penchant for jumping into a giant pot in the back of the end zone at their stadium.

 Jones was a two-time Pro Bowler, an All-Pro who spent the majority of his seven-year career with the Giants. Born in Pittsburg, Texas, where he became a standout athlete in track and football, he attended Texas Southern College before being drafted in the 20th round in 1963 by the Houston Oilers.

Oilers coaches, however, cut him after he injured his knee.

While in the Big Apple, the lanky Jones went on to become one of the better outside receivers of his generation. He still holds the NFL record for most yards- per-reception in a career among players with at least 200 receptions at 22.3. As he would tell it, Jones created the spike during a game in which he didn't want to throw the ball into the stands for fear of a $500 fine. So, instead he slammed the football into the turf, thus birthing the celebration.

Jones retired in 1970 following one season with the Cleveland Browns.

Was he fast? Yes.

Was Homer Jones faster than Bob Hayes, number 22 for the Cowboys?

I doubt it...

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