Bert Jones, also known as “The Ruston Rifle,” made a significant mark in the world of football. He earned his place in the College Football Hall of Fame.
Jones played as a quarterback for the Baltimore Colts and later the Los Angeles Rams, showcasing his prowess in the NFL and earning the MVP title in 1976.
Born on September 7, 1951, Jones began his football journey at LSU, where his skills quickly garnered attention.
After being drafted by the Baltimore Colts, Jones faced the daunting task of replacing Johnny Unitas. Despite the pressure, he excelled, culminating in a standout season that secured his MVP award.
Beyond his NFL career, Jones has also been involved in charitable work, such as hosting the Bert Jones Golf Classic, which supports the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Jones’ story is not just about his achievements on the field but also his impact off it. As a member of both the LSU Athletics Hall of Fame and the LSU Alumni Association Hall of Distinction, he continues to inspire both fans and players alike.
Who Is Bert Jones?
Bert Jones, often referred to as “The Ruston Rifle,” is a former professional football quarterback. He played in the NFL during the 1970s and early 1980s.
Known for his strong arm and athletic ability, he left an enduring legacy in college and professional football.
Where Did Bert Jones Grow Up?
Bert Jones was born on September 7, 1951, in Ruston, Louisiana. Ruston, a city in Lincoln Parish, provided the backdrop for Jones’s formative years.
He attended Ruston High School, where he excelled in multiple sports, but particularly shined in football. His father, Dub Jones, was also a well-known football player and coach, which greatly influenced Bert’s early interest in the sport.
After excelling at Ruston High School, Jones went on to play college football at LSU, where he earned significant recognition. His time at LSU set the stage for his career in the NFL, where he was eventually named the NFL Most Valuable Player in 1976.
Where Does Bert Jones Live?
After retiring from professional football, Bert Jones chose to return to his roots. He currently resides in northern Louisiana, where he enjoys a quiet life away from the public eye.
He has mentioned in interviews that he values the peace and normalcy of living in his hometown.
Jones remains active in his community and runs a business there. He prefers the simplicity and familiarity of Ruston, a place that has always been meaningful to him.
Who Is Bert Jones Married To?
Bert Jones is married, although details about his wife are largely kept private. She plays a significant role in his life, especially after his retirement from football.
Jones has often emphasized the importance of family in interviews, mentioning his wife as a key support throughout his career and into his post-football life.
Their long-lasting marriage has been a stabilizing factor, contributing to the contentment and balance that Jones seems to have found in his life after football.
Does Bert Jones Have Children?
Bert Jones is a father and a grandfather. He and his wife have four children and five grandchildren.
Family is essential to him, and he has spoken about the joy he finds in spending time with his children and grandchildren.
His role as a father and grandfather is just as important to him as his career accomplishments.
In various interviews, Jones has mentioned the fulfillment he gets from watching his grandchildren grow up and participate in their own activities, some of which include sports. This solid family foundation continues to keep him grounded, providing a rewarding counterbalance to his achievements on the football field.
Bert Jones College Football Career
Bert Jones had a notable college football career, earning significant accolades and setting records. He played for Louisiana State University and was recognized for his strong arm and leadership. Let’s explore his college journey in detail.
Where Did Bert Jones Play College Football?
Bert Jones played college football at Louisiana State University (LSU) for the LSU Tigers. He joined the team and quickly became the starting quarterback.
Known as “The Ruston Rifle” for his powerful arm, Jones made a significant impact on LSU’s football program. During his time with the Tigers, he developed into one of the top quarterbacks in the nation, earning a reputation for his passing skills and game management.
Did Bert Jones Coach College Football?
Bert Jones did not pursue a career in coaching college football after his playing days. Instead, he focused on his professional career in the NFL.
He played for the Baltimore Colts and the Los Angeles Rams. His expertise and experience in college and professional football, however, have left a lasting legacy. Jones remains a respected figure in the football community, known more for his playing career than any coaching pursuits.
What Awards Did Bert Jones Accomplish In College Football?
Bert Jones received several awards and honors during his college football career. He was a consensus First Team All-America selection in 1972 and also finished fourth for the Heisman Trophy that same year.
His performance on the field earned him a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame in 2016. Jones’ achievements are notable considering the competitive nature of awards like the Heisman Trophy and being named an All-American.
What Bowl Games Did Bert Jones Win In College Football?
Bert Jones participated in several bowl games during his college football career at LSU.
A notable game was the 1971 Sun Bowl, where LSU faced the Iowa State Cyclones. The Tigers came out victorious with a 33-15 win.
Jones played a critical role in the success of his team during bowl games, showcasing his talent and further solidifying his reputation as a skilled quarterback. These victories added to the success of his college career and left a lasting impact on LSU’s football program.
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Bert Jones Professional Football Career
Bert Jones had an impactful professional football career, mainly with the Baltimore Colts, where he showcased his talent as a quarterback. He earned numerous awards and accolades, making significant contributions to his teams.
Did Bert Jones Play In The NFL?
Bert Jones played in the NFL as a quarterback. He was drafted by the Baltimore Colts in the first round of the 1973 draft. Known for his powerful arm, Jones quickly became a standout player.
He played most of his career with the Baltimore Colts and later joined the Los Angeles Rams. His tenure in the NFL was marked by impressive stats, including 18,190 passing yards and 124 touchdowns over 102 games.
Did Bert Jones Coach In The NFL?
Bert Jones did not coach in the NFL. After his playing career ended, he chose not to transition into coaching at the professional level.
Instead, he moved away from the sport and focused on other pursuits.
His expertise and experiences could have made him an excellent coach, but coaching was not the path he chose after retiring from professional football.
What Awards Did Bert Jones Accomplish In Professional Football?
Bert Jones earned significant accolades during his professional career. He was named the NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1976 while playing for the Baltimore Colts.
That same year, he was also honored as the NFL Offensive Player of the Year.
Jones was selected to the Pro Bowl and named an All-Pro, further cementing his status as one of the top quarterbacks of his time. His remarkable arm strength and passing abilities made him a celebrated player in the league.
Did Bert Jones Win A Super Bowl?
Bert Jones did not win a Super Bowl during his career. Although he had an impressive run with the Baltimore Colts, the team did not secure a Super Bowl title while he was their quarterback.
Despite this, his individual achievements and contributions to the game were significant. His performance in the regular season, particularly in 1976, remains a notable highlight of his professional career.
What Is Bert Jones Up To Now?
Bert Jones, known for his career as a quarterback in the NFL and his 1976 MVP award, has transitioned into a successful business life. He remains active in his community and focuses on family and philanthropy.
Is Bert Jones Still Involved In Football?
Bert Jones is no longer actively involved in football. After retiring from the NFL, he shifted his focus entirely to his business and family life.
While he has left the field, his legacy endures. He occasionally engages with former colleagues and players, but isn’t involved in coaching or team management.
Does Bert Jones Do Private Speaking Engagements?
Bert Jones participates in private speaking engagements. He often shares insights from his football career and experiences in business.
He engages audiences by discussing lessons learned from sports and how they apply to life and business. His speeches are particularly popular among sports organizations and business groups.
Does Bert Jones Have A Podcast?
Bert Jones does not currently host or appear regularly on any podcast. His focus remains on running his lumber business, Mid-States Wood Preservers.
While many former athletes have turned to podcasting, Bert has chosen a different path, concentrating on his community involvement and business responsibilities.
Has Bert Jones Gone Into Broadcasting?
Bert Jones has not ventured into broadcasting. Unlike many of his peers, he has not taken on television or radio roles.
His career after football revolves around his timber and lumber business. His involvement in Mid-States Wood Preservers occupies most of his time, leaving little room for a broadcasting career.
What Is Bert Jones Net Worth?
Bert Jones, often referred to as “The Ruston Rifle,” had a successful career in the NFL. As of September 2024, his net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million.
This wealth comes from his time as a professional football player as well as his business ventures post-retirement.
Jones played for the Baltimore Colts and Los Angeles Rams. During his time in the NFL, he earned significant salaries, especially after being named NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1976.
This accolade not only boosted his career but also increased his earning potential.
After retiring from football, Jones continued to build his wealth through various business endeavors. He operates a business in northern Louisiana, where he has chosen to live a normal life.
These ventures have contributed to his financial stability and current net worth.
In addition to his financial earnings, Jones has also gained recognition and honor in the sports community. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2016, which adds to his legacy and standing within the football world.
While not many exact figures are available, it is clear that Jones’s contributions to football and his business acumen have provided him with a comfortable lifestyle.
His ability to transition from professional sports to business has played a significant role in maintaining and growing his net worth.
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