Tony Jones Bio
Tony Terrell Jones Jr. is an American professional football running back for the Dallas Renegades of the United Football League (UFL). He was born on November 24, 1997, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Jones attended IMG Academy for high school and played college football at Notre Dame. After going undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft, he began his professional career with the New Orleans Saints. Over the years, he has played for several teams in the NFL before continuing his career in the UFL.
Early Life and Background
Tony Jones was born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida. He initially attended St. Petersburg Catholic High School before transferring to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. At IMG Academy, he excelled in both baseball and football, showcasing his athletic talent. During his senior year in football, he recorded 78 carries for 514 yards and scored 11 touchdowns. His performance earned him a spot in the 2015 U.S. Army All-American Bowl, a prestigious high school football showcase. Following high school, Jones committed to the University of Notre Dame to further his football career.
Path to American Football
At Notre Dame, Tony Jones did not play during his true freshman year in 2016. He became active as a redshirt freshman in 2017, participating in 12 games and achieving 44 carries for 232 yards and three touchdowns. His performance improved in subsequent years, and by his redshirt junior year in 2019, he became the starting running back. That season, he rushed for 857 yards and six touchdowns, highlighted by an 84-yard touchdown run in the Camping World Bowl, setting a record for the longest run in Notre Dame bowl game history. After completing his college career, Jones decided to enter the 2020 NFL Draft, foregoing his final year of eligibility.
Tony Jones Career
Early Career (2020-2022)
Tony Jones signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent on April 27, 2020. He was waived during final roster cuts but quickly re-signed to the practice squad. He made his NFL debut on January 2, 2021, during a game against the Carolina Panthers. In the 2021 season, he made the Saints’ 53-man roster after an impressive preseason, where he rushed for 106 yards on 12 carries and scored a touchdown. Unfortunately, an ankle injury sidelined him for part of the season.
Breakthrough (2023-Present)
After being waived by the Saints in October 2022, Jones was claimed off waivers by the Seattle Seahawks. His time with the Seahawks was brief, as he was waived again in December 2022. In March 2023, he signed with the Denver Broncos but was waived before the start of the season. He returned to the Saints for a second stint in August 2023, where he scored his first two NFL touchdowns in a game against the Carolina Panthers. Following another brief period with the Saints, he was claimed by the Arizona Cardinals in October 2023. Jones signed a reserve/future contract with the Arlington Renegades of the UFL in May 2025, marking a new chapter in his professional career.
Notable Works and Milestones
Tony Jones has made significant strides in his career, with notable performances in both the NFL and UFL. His record-setting run at Notre Dame and his recent touchdowns with the Saints highlight his potential as a running back.
Tony Jones Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Tony Jones has not received any major award nominations as of yet, but his performances continue to show promise for future recognition.
Tony Jones Awards Won
Tony Jones has not won any major awards in his professional football career thus far.
Tony Jones Family
Tony Jones Jr. is the son of Tony Jones Sr., who played as a fullback and linebacker for Illinois State and had a career in the Arena Football League. His father’s background in football has likely influenced Jones’s own career choices and aspirations.
Personal Life
During his time at Notre Dame, Tony Jones majored in Film, Television, and Theatre. He also pursued filmmaking, creating a short film titled “Come Together” with a classmate, which premiered at the 2020 Sundial Film Festival. Jones’s interests extend beyond football, showcasing his creative talents in the film industry.
