SAN JOSE, Calif.—Ernest Jones IV experienced profound personal milestones over the past two years, welcoming his son, Ernest V, two summers ago, and mourning the loss of his father, Ernest Jr., who passed away at 53. During this period, Jones also faced significant shifts in his football career, which ultimately led him to the Seattle Seahawks, where he now prepares for Super Bowl LX.
Jones’ professional path was turbulent at times. Initially spending three seasons with the Los Angeles Rams—where he captured a Super Bowl victory as a rookie—he was unexpectedly traded to the Tennessee Titans before the 2024 season. Following a difficult year with the Titans, Jones was traded again midseason to the Seahawks, necessitating another cross-country move while caring for a newborn. Despite the upheaval, Jones established himself as a key defensive leader for Seattle.
The Impact of Personal Loss on His 2025 Season
Shortly after signing a multi-year extension with the Seahawks in the spring of 2025, Jones faced the heartbreaking death of his father to Ewing sarcoma. He left Seahawks training camp to be with his family in South Carolina during those final moments and returned again for the funeral. The organization, led by head coach Mike Macdonald, offered him full support, allowing Jones to prioritize his family without pressure, despite missing important preparation time.
“I watched my father take his last couple of breaths, I was there for every moment.” – Ernest Jones IV, Linebacker
“It was everything. It meant everything to me for them to let me go during this period of time. I’m the starting middle linebacker, and I missed a good portion of training camp, but they didn’t stress me out about it, they let me handle it the way that I needed to, so big ups to the Seahawks, for sure.” – Ernest Jones IV, Linebacker
Jones dedicated his entire 2025 campaign to honoring his late father. Before and after the Seahawks’ regular-season opener, he wore a T-shirt displaying photos of his dad and frequently sported a necklace bearing his father’s picture. This tribute fueled his motivation as he emerged as one of the league’s top middle linebackers, earning second-team All-Pro honors in 2025.
Balancing Grief and Football with Determination
The emotional weight of his father’s passing deepened Jones’ passion for the game. The realization that he was playing for his father’s pride made every snap more meaningful.
“It’s super emotional when I think about him. But this game, I’m doing what he wanted me to do. He’s always proud of me, he loves to see me play football, so I’m going to go give it everything that I’ve got.” – Ernest Jones IV, Linebacker
Jones credits his father for shaping his mindset and character, particularly emphasizing loyalty and integrity.
“It enhances it a lot. My mindset, the way I am. Loyalty is big for me. Just the way I am, the way I go about life, the way I operate, truly he was teaching me how to be a man, and I feel like I learned from one of the best ones.” – Ernest Jones IV, Linebacker
Jones’ Leadership and Defensive Excellence in Seattle
Beyond his personal resilience, Jones became a cornerstone of the Seahawks’ defense, finishing 2025 with 126 tackles and a team-leading five interceptions during the regular season. His postseason performance included another interception and a forced fumble. Jones also serves as an emotional leader, known for rallying the defense when fired up and calming it when tensions rise. His unwavering support for his quarterback was notably on display after a Week 11 loss to his former team, the Rams, marking the Seahawks’ last defeat of the year.
The culmination of Jones’ efforts came during the NFC Championship Game victory, where, after the final whistle, he sprinted to the end zone and shared an unforgettable celebration with his son amid falling confetti at Lumen Field. This moment visually captured the depth of joy and significance for Jones and those who witnessed the scene.
Recognition and Praise from Teammates
Cooper Kupp, who played alongside Jones for three seasons in Los Angeles, expressed admiration for Jones’ character and resilience both on and off the field.
“I’ve talked about Ernest before, about how much respect I have for him. When he got to L.A., it was so early on for a rookie to come in and have a demeanor about him that you just knew that this is someone you have respect for, because of the way he goes about his business, because of the way that he handles himself, because of the way that he speaks and is able to communicate. It was really special. I was like, this is a guy that comes in at middle linebacker that’s going to be an elite football player. Because as a middle linebacker, being able to demonstrate it, being able to be the guy that’s not just telling you what you should do, but also to be able to model it for guys, and call guys up to a standard, that’s such a special trait.” – Cooper Kupp, Wide Receiver
“To know that’s who he is, then having to go through what he went through in the last couple of years, the adversity of all of that, and being able to maintain himself, not to lose himself, it is very special. He’s one of those guys that if you’re looking for someone to look up to and see what it looks like to go through tough times and be able to handle it with otherworldly grace, Ernest is that guy.” – Cooper Kupp, Wide Receiver
The Road Ahead for Ernest Jones and the Seahawks
As Super Bowl LX approaches, Ernest Jones’ story stands out not only because of his athletic talents but also his extraordinary ability to persevere through personal and professional challenges. His steadfast dedication, leadership, and emotional strength have made him a pivotal figure on the Seahawks’ defense. The franchise and its fans are banking on Jones to continue providing inspiration on the field as Seattle pursues its second Super Bowl championship during his tenure.
With his son by his side and his father’s memory guiding him, Jones is embracing the moment with heartfelt appreciation.
“I’m enjoying every moment, taking as many pictures as I can, because you don’t get here every year.” – Ernest Jones IV, Linebacker
His journey reinforces the profound impact that life’s highs and lows can have on an athlete’s drive and perspective, promising a powerful presence for Seattle in the upcoming championship game.
NFC Champion @ernestjones celebrating with his son is truly the cutest thing you'll see all day 🥹@insidetheNFL NFL Playoffs Mic'd Up on X pic.twitter.com/4iR6FKZZ5g
— NFL (@NFL) January 26, 2026
