Lam Jones

John Wesley "Lam" Jones (born April 4, 1958) is a former American sprinter and former American football player. He won a gold medal in the 4 x 100 meter relay at the 1976 Summer Olympics.

Sprinting career
Jones replaced an injured Houston McTear on the U.S. team at the Montreal Olympics, and finished sixth in the 100 meters. He also ran the second leg for the U.S. relay team, which won the gold medal.

Perhaps even more than his Olympic gold, however, Jones is considered legendary in Texas high school sports history for his performance in mile relay at the 1976 class AAA high school track & field championships. Jones, running anchor for Lampasas High School, took the baton in last place, reportedly anywhere from 40 to 60 meters behind, and passed the entire field for victory. The run has taken on near-mythical status among those who saw it or claim to have seen it.

NFL career
Jones was drafted by the New York Jets from the University of Texas with the second overall pick in the 1980 NFL Draft. He played wide receiver for the Jets from 1980-1985. Since Jones was a world class sprinter, he could beat any coverage, but had trouble catching the football. He was viewed more as an athlete than a receiver. He received the first million dollar contract worth $2.1 million dollars.

Post-NFL Career
Jones is now suffering with myeloma cancer that affects bone marrow in the legs. Jones was inducted into the Texas Athlete Hall of Fame in 2008.