This is a sad week for NFL fans as a pioneer who of a widely popular celebration passed away.
Homer Jones, a two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver who played for the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns, has died. He was 82. Jones was battling lung cancer when he died.
He is credited as being one of the first players to spike a football after a touchdown.
The Giants announced Jones’ death on social media:
“Homer Jones had a unique combination of speed and power and was a threat to score whenever he touched the ball,” Giants CEO John Mara said, via the team’s website.
“He was one of the first players (if not the first) to spike the ball in the end zone after scoring a touchdown and he quickly became a fan favorite. I remember him as an easygoing, friendly individual who was well-liked by his teammates and coaches.”
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Jones was selected by the Houston Oilers in the fifth round of the 1963 AFL Draft but he never ended up playing for them. The Giants selected him in the 20th round of the 1963 NFL Draft and he made his first appearance with the team in 1964.
He became a two-time Pro Bowler in New York. He led the NFL in touchdown catches with 13 in 1967. He would go on to play one year with the Browns before he stepped away after the 1970 season.
He finished his career with 224 catches for 4,986 yards and 36 touchdowns.
