The New Orleans Saints invited him to a rookie mini-camp, expecting to cut him soon thereafter. Jamal Jones forced them to change those plans.
And now the DeMatha High graduate has become a contributor for one of the NFL’s hottest teams. Though best known for special teams, Jones’ latest highlight came from scrimmage when he caught a 27-yard touchdown pass against Dallas on Sunday night. It was his first career touchdown.
“He’s one of those guys who wouldn’t go away,” Saints coach Sean Payton said.
Jones hasn’t had it easy as a pro. He was cut by Green Bay midway through last season after spending five games on the Packers’ roster. He had been on their practice squad the previous season. And he played in NFL Europe in 2005 as well.
Such is the road for someone who attended North Carolina A&T.
Now Jones serves as a gunner for the Saints’ coverage units and has six special teams tackles and one forced fumble.
“He’s played extremely hard,” Payton said. “He’s done as good a job as anyone on the team at gunner. He’s worked hard to make it onto our roster.”
