Joseph Jones (American football)

Joseph Edwin Jones (born February 21, 1994) is an American football linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Northwestern.

Early years
Jones began playing football in the eighth grade at the insistence of his mother. He attended Plano High School, where he was an All-conference running back as a senior. He played with a broken bone in his right hand, collecting 710 rushing yards, 8 rushing touchdowns, 11 receptions for 328 yards and 5 touchdowns in eight games.

He also practiced track and basketball, winning a state championship in the 110 metres hurdles as a senior.

College career
Jones accepted a football scholarship from Northwestern University. He was converted into a linebacker as a freshman and had only 6 tackles after his first 2 seasons, playing almost exclusively on special teams. As a junior, he appeared in 13 games, making 18 tackles (14 solo) and one sack.

He became a starter at linebacker as a fifth year senior, playing most of the season with a broken right thumb and his hand and wrist in a cast. He appeared in 13 games (5 starts), while posting 43 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 passes defensed, 3.5 tackles for loss and one fumble recovery. He finished his college career after appearing in 37 games (5 starts), recording 70 tackles (44 solo), 3 sacks, 2 passes defensed and one fumble recovery.

Dallas Cowboys
Jones was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys after the 2017 NFL Draft on May 12, because his pro day workout would have placed him near the top of the linebackers participating at the NFL Scouting Combine. He was waived on September 2.

Los Angeles Chargers
On September 4, 2017, Jones was signed to the Los Angeles Chargers' practice squad, but was released two days later.

Seattle Seahawks
On September 19, 2017, Jones was signed to the Seattle Seahawks' practice squad.

Denver Broncos
On November 7, 2017, Jones was signed by the Denver Broncos off the Seahawks' practice squad to replace linebacker Kevin Snyder. He appeared in 7 games, playing mainly on special teams.

Personal life
Jones married in college and became a father to a daughter in 2016 and again in 2018. He had three part-time jobs during the offseason, two as an exercise trainer and occasionally delivering flowers.