Dub Jones

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Jones began his professional journey with the Miami Seahawks in 1946 before being traded to the Brooklyn Dodgers, where he was acquired by Paul Brown in June 1948. Initially a defensive back, he switched to halfback and later helped invent the flanker position, utilizing his tall stature for receiving while remaining a running threat. He often went in motion behind the line of scrimmage, confusing defenses alongside teammates Otto Graham, Dante Lavelli, and Mac Speedie. His career peak arrived on November 25, 1951, when he scored six touchdowns (four rushing, two receiving) in a 42–21 win over the Chicago Bears. This performance tied an NFL record shared with Ernie Nevers, Gale Sayers, and Alvin Kamara. Jones was named a first-team All-Pro that year and selected to the Pro Bowl, where Paul Brown called him "the most underrated player in the league." He retired after the 1955 season but returned as an assistant coach in 1963 under Blanton Collier.

In Their Own Story

In 1948, Paul Brown traded Bob Chappuis to acquire Jones, who initially struggled on defense. Switched to halfback, he helped the Browns win all their games and the AAFC championship that year. The following season, Jones developed into a star flanker, amassing 312 rushing yards and 241 receiving yards as Cleveland won another title. When the AAFC dissolved in 1950, the Browns joined the NFL, and Jones immediately helped them win the championship against the Rams with 11 total touchdowns. The defining moment of his career occurred on November 25, 1951. In a game against the Chicago Bears, Jones scored six times, tying the single-game record. Despite leading the league in scoring that year and finishing second overall, the Browns lost the championship to the Rams. After production declined in 1953, he retired but was convinced by Brown to return in 1954. He played through a hamstring injury in 1955 before retiring for good, having won two more championships.

Reader's Guide

Jones played ten seasons across the AAFC and NFL from 1946 to 1955. His career statistics include significant contributions as both a runner and receiver. In 1949, he recorded 312 rushing yards and 241 receiving yards. By 1950, he had 31 receptions and 11 touchdowns. His career high came in 1951 with 1,062 total yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns. Following his retirement, Jones spent seven years running a lumber business in Ruston before returning to the Browns as an assistant coach in March 1963. As an offensive play-caller and position coach for receivers, he directed the team from the press box due to head coach Blanton Collier's hearing impairment. Under his guidance, the Browns won the NFL championship in 1964. He coached future Hall of Famers Jim Brown, Leroy Kelly, and Paul Warfield before leaving football permanently in 1968.

Did You Know?

• Jones shares the NFL single-game touchdown record of six with Ernie Nevers, Gale Sayers, and Alvin Kamara.
• He played college football for Tulane University as part of a World War II-era U.S. Navy V-12 training program.
• Jones was traded to the Browns in 1948 after Paul Brown was impressed by his defensive play with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
• As a coach, he directed offensive plays from the press box because head coach Blanton Collier was hard of hearing.
• He is a member of both the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame.