Brent Jones
The 49ers became Camelot during the Bill Walsh era. Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Steve Young, and Ronnie Lott all became household names as their play eventually resulted in enshrinement at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton. While those 49ers have the numbers to justify their place in the Hall of Fame, there are some 49ers from that dynastic period whose play was just as important to the team's overall success. One such name who comes to mind is TE Brent Jones. The first player we will feature in this series.
Improbable would be the best word to describe Brent Jones' career. Less than two weeks after being drafted in the 5th round of the 1986 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jones was involved in a near-fatal car crash that left him with a herniated disk and unable to play for the Steelers during what would have been his rookie campaign.
After rehabbing his back injury, Jones was signed as a backup to the 49ers before the 1987 season. His steady play and tireless work ethic was admired by Bill Walsh as Jones took over as the starter for the club after his second season with the team. The 49ers were coming off of a victory in Super Bowl XXIII and the retirement of TE John Frank when they looked to Jones to fill the void.
Jones's route running ability and elite blocking took the 49ers offense to the next level. His 40 catches, 500 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns in his first year as a starter was only a sign of things to come. Jones would consistently make timely plays and blocks as the 49ers would go on to repeat as Super Bowl champs with a 55-10 route of the Denver Broncos, a game that would see Jones record his first Super Bowl reception and TD on the same play, a seven yard score in the first quarter.
As the Camelot era for the 49ers went along, Brent Jones would not only become a 49er favorite, but also one of the very best players in the NFL. Jones earned 1st team All Pro Honors three consecutive seasons from 1992 - 1994 as well as four Pro Bowls during his 11 year career. When Jones retired following the 1997 season, he did so with every major record for TEs in franchise history. His 417 receptions, 5,195 receiving yards and 33 touchdowns would all stand for over a decade as 49ers team records before they were eclipsed by TE Vernon Davis.
Brent Jones was a three time Super Bowl Champion with the 49ers and very instrumental to the 49ers Dynasty that stretched nearly two decades. His relentless style of play and overall commitment to the team is what made him a King of Camelot!
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