Jones then earned a scholarship and attended the University of Nebraska, where as a freshman in 1990, he redshirt. In 1991, as a redshirt freshman, he appeared in six games. He recorded eight tackles and one sack (that being Gino Torretta). As a redshirt sophomore in 1992, he served as a back-up at both outside linebacker positions, to starters Travis Hill and Trev Alberts and occasionally David White. Jones appeared in all 12 games, recording 21 tackles (seven solo.), four tackles-for-loss, two sacks and six quarterback hurries. In 1993, as a redshirt junior, he appeared in nine games (eight starts), missing three with a sprained ankle. He recorded 25 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, one pass broken up and 10 quarterback hurries. As a redshirt senior in 1994, he started all 12 games. He recorded 52 tackles (23 solo.), 10 tackles-for-loss, five sacks, one forced fumble, two passes broken up and 22 quarterback hurries. For the season, he earned All-Big Eight. He graduated with a degree in accounting and business administration.[1]
In 2007, Jones was inducted into the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame.[2]
Professional career
Jones was selected in the fourth round (125th overall) in the 1995 NFL draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers.[3] As a rookie in 1995, he appeared in all 16 games and recorded three tackles for the eventual AFC champions.[4] In 1996, he appeared in 15 games with two starts. He recorded 13 tackles (nine solo.) and one sack and one forced fumble.[4] For the 1997 season, he appeared in all 16 games with four starts. He recorded 15 tackles (six solo.), one pass broken up,[4] one fumble recovery. Prior to the 1998 season, on June 9, he re-signed with the Steelers.[5] For the season, he appeared in all 16 games with three starts. He recorded 17 tackles (11 solo.) and three sacks.[4]
On February 12, 1999, Jones signed as an unrestricted free agent with the Carolina Panthers.[5] While with the Panthers, he competed with former Steelers linebacker Kevin Greene.[6] For his lone season with the Panthers, Jones appeared in all 16 games. He recorded 21 tackles (18 solo.) and one fumble recovery and three passes broken up.[4] He was cut by the Panthers on August 20, 2000, at the end of the preseason.[5]
On August 22, 2000, two days after cut by the Panthers, Jones signed a one-year contract with the New Orleans Saints.[5] For the season, he appeared in 12 games and recorded eight tackles.[7]
On August 8, 2001, he was signed by the Chicago Bears, however, he was released 19 days later.[5]