Jermaine Jones (gridiron football)

Jones was selected by the New York Jets in the fifth round (162nd overall) of the 1999 NFL Draft.[2] He appeared in one game before being released on September 5.[3] On September 7, he was signed to the Jets' practice squad.[4] He was released on September 14 to make room for cornerback Corey Sawyer.[5]

On September 21, he was signed to the Chicago Bears' practice squad.[6] He was promoted to the Bears active roster on December 1, but did not play in the final four games. In July 2000, he was released by the Bears.

On July 25, he signed with the New York Giants.[7] He was released by the Giants four days later on July 29 and spent the season out of football.[8] On January 31, 2001, Jones was signed by the Dallas Cowboys, and recorded 12 tackles, two passes defensed and a fumble recovery during the preseason. He was released on September 2, 2001.[9]

On September 14, 2001, Jones signed with the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League, after his release from the Cowboys. He played in eight regular season games, recording 22 tackles, 5 passes defensed, one interception and 2 fumble recoveries, including one returned for a 79-yard touchdown. He posted another 4 tackles in Edmonton's only playoff game.

In 2002, Jones returned to training camp with the Eskimos but was released at the end of camp. He signed with the Dallas Desperados on December 9, before signing with the Dallas Cowboys on December 11. Jones played on special teams against the Philadelphia Eagles but recorded no stats. On July 29, 2003, he was signed as a free agent by the Cleveland Browns. He was released on August 26.

On December 10, 2002, he was signed by the Dallas Desperados of the Arena Football League, who were owned by Jerry Jones, who also owned the Dallas Cowboys.[10] He made his debut in 2003, despite missing the first quarter of the season, he put together a record-setting performance in his first indoor campaign, earning All-Rookie honors after finishing the regular season with team records for tackles (73.5) and passes defensed (18). His 73.5 tackles ranked ninth in the league, while his 18 pass deflections was tied for 12th. Jones was placed on the Desperados Reserve/Exempt list December 11, after signing with the Cowboys. He was activated from Reserve/Exempt list on February 28 and made his Arena Football League debut two days later at the Arizona Rattlers.

In 2004, Jones was leading or tied for the team lead in tackles nine times while finishing with a franchise record 74.5 tackles. He also recorded 14 passes defensed (tied for fifth in the league) and intercepted four (tied for eighth in the league). In 2005, his third season in Dallas, Jones again proved his ability as he led the team in tackles for the third consecutive season (66.5) while also leading the team and finishing fifth in the league with six interceptions. His 126 interception return yards led the league while his three returns for touchdowns tied for the league lead and were a single-season career high.

In 2006, Jones led the Desperados in tackles for the fourth consecutive season, posting a career-high and team record 99.5 tackles. He also finished fourth in the league in tackles. Jones recorded eight interceptions on the season, returning one for a touchdown, setting a franchise record for interceptions in a season. In 2007, Jones finished with a team-best 87.5 tackles and seven interceptions with two interceptions returned for touchdowns to garner AFL All-Arena Second-team honors. In 2008, Jones played in 14 games and recorded 56 total tackles, three interceptions for 30 yards and 12 passes broken up. He was waived on January 30, 2008.[10]