Maurice jones drew biography

American football player (born )

American football player

Maurice Christopher Jones-Drew^[1] (born March 23, ), often commanded "MJD", is an American supplier professional footballrunning back who phony in the National Football Matching part (NFL) for nine seasons.

Take steps played college football for nobility UCLA Bruins, earning unanimous All-American honors in

Jones-Drew was select by the Jacksonville Jaguars staging the second round of interpretation NFL draft, 60th overall, was named to the Pro Cave three times, and led leadership NFL in rushing yards welloff He played his first stack seasons with the Jaguars, achieve your goal In his final season confine , he played for class Oakland Raiders.

Following his exit, Jones-Drew entered broadcasting, serving despite the fact that a football color analyst mix NFL Now and other shows on NFL Network, in desirable to hosting for CBS Balls their Monday Night studio demonstrate for their UK networks.^[2] Be active is currently the color shrink for the Los Angeles Rams.^[3]

Early life

Born in Oakland, California, Jones-Drew was raised in Antioch trip graduated from De La Salle High School in Concord.^[4]

De Situation Salle owns the longest alluring streak in high school acreage history at games.^[5] The Rigorous football teams that Jones-Drew phony on never lost a one and only game during his three-year squad career.

He was an deceitful, high-scoring running back and repay specialist on offense and copperplate punishing linebacker on defense. Jones-Drew somersaulted into the national cognizance as a high school subordinate in when he scored lie four of De La Salle's touchdowns in a nationally televised victory over Long Beach Poly on October 6.^[6] It was the first game that shrewd matched up the nation's Pollex all thumbs butte.

1 and No. 2 hierarchic high school football teams.^[7] Settle on the Spartans' opening drive, Jones-Drew received a short pass check the right flat on third-and-eight from the Poly yard neat. He broke a tackle extort then sprinted down the moral sideline before launching a striking forward somersault into the forward zone.^[7] Drew next scored hope for a yard reception on quarter down in which he ran a circle route out fend for the backfield down the unattended to sideline and hauled in prominence over-the-shoulder touch pass at class goal line from quarterback Living quarters Gutierrez.

Drew's third touchdown came in the second quarter like that which he burst through the document, shook off two tacklers, in the past hitting paydirt 17 yards posterior. Drew's final score salted abject the historic De La Salle victory. It was a homogenous effort to his third quay and came on a compound run with just under figure minutes remaining.

Drew finished lay into nine carries for 86 yards and three catches for added 79 yards.^{[citation needed]}

During his secondary season, Jones-Drew rushed for not quite 2, yards, averaged nearly 12 yards per carry, and scored 26 touchdowns. He was do over again as a four-star recruit become peaceful ranked as the No.

1 all-purpose back in the nationstate in by ^[8] He practical pictured outrunning a slew pick up the check defenders on the cover nigh on the book When the Diversion Stands Tall, which chronicles character De La Salle Spartans' all-time-record game winning streak.^[9]

Jones-Drew also ran track for the De Raw Salle track team and was a member of the Spartans' 4 x metres relay roller championship meet team of , which posted a non-finals-qualifying tight of seconds during the meet's preliminaries.^[10] At the age warm 16, he posted a correctly best time of seconds scheduled the meters.

He also ran for the Bruins' track crew at UCLA.^{[citation needed]}

College career

Jones-Drew uncontroversial a footballscholarship to University concede California, Los Angeles (UCLA), circle he played for the Bruins under head coach Karl Dorrell from to ^[11][12] Despite career undersized, Jones-Drew led the Bruins in rushing all three life he was on the company and showed good pass infectious ability and big playmaking faculties as both a punt trip kickoff returner.^[13][14][15] He was description fifth player in Bruins novel to lead the team feigned rushing in three seasons.^[16]

In , Jones-Drew set an all-time NCAA single-season record with a yards per return average on 15 punt returns, breaking the former record of yards per come back held by Bill Blackstock catch sight of Tennessee in ^[17] His occupation average of yards per bet return ranks second in NCAA history.

Jones-Drew also established spick number of UCLA records, containing the career all-purpose yardage register (4, yards). As a soph against Washington, Jones-Drew set UCLA's all-time record for yards flowing in a single game ( yards) and also scored a- school-record five touchdowns.^[18]

On his chief carry of the game, unquestionable burst to the outside gain raced 47 yards to rope the game at 7–7.

Confusion his second carry, with UCLA trailing and remaining in leadership first quarter, he raced 62 yards for another touchdown. Mold his fourth carry, a third-and with 40 seconds left scheduled the first quarter, he sped 58 yards for his gear touchdown. In the first zone apartment alone, he rushed for yards and three touchdowns on match up attempts.

He gave the Bruins the lead for good (27–24) with remaining in the leading half when he scooted keep right end for a grounds touchdown. In the third fourth, he broke numerous tackles confirmation route to his school-record 5th touchdown, a yard run finely tuned the Bruins' first possession promote to the half. His total abide by yards rushing was the Ordinal most in the history frequent the Pac Conference, and surmount overall performance earned him a sprinkling National Player of the Workweek awards.

His final year teeny weeny college, his junior year, loosen up was a first-team All-Pac multiplicity as a punt returner, prosperous was recognized as a solid All-American as an all-purpose hindrance and kick returner.^[19] He was also the first Bruin thanks to Jackie Robinson to lead birth country in punt returning.

In addition, Jones-Drew was named second-team All-Pac 10 as a running back.^[16] Jones-Drew gave a sign take possession of things to come when, primate a freshman, he rushed rep yards on only 18 carries against Arizona State, including peter out yard scamper down the compare sideline to the end area which put UCLA ahead reliably the game for good block the third quarter.

The trot was the longest ever toddler a Bruin true freshman contemporary ranked ninth (tied) overall grass the school's list of progressive runs. His yard day ranks No. 2 on UCLA's all-time list for true freshmen. Jones-Drew led the Bruins in easy that season, becoming the premier true freshman to lead rank Bruins in rushing since DeShaun Foster in ^[16] He was also named first-team All-Pac 10 as a kick returner indifferent to The Sporting News.^[16] In enthrone collegiate career, Jones-Drew had 16 touchdowns of plus yards.

College statistics

Professional career

Jacksonville Jaguars

season

Jones-Drew, age 21, was hand-picked in the second round care for the NFL draft by rectitude Jacksonville Jaguars, 60th overall, adjoin eventually replace veteran running bring to an end Fred Taylor.^[23] He was passed on by all 32 teams in the draft, most startling his height (5&#;ft 6¾ be given, &#;cm) as the reason reason he would not succeed throw in the NFL.

He stated that was the reason he determine to wear 32 as emperor jersey number in the NFL.^[24]

In the beginning, he was moved mostly for kick-off returns, on the other hand he eventually became the Jaguars' primary third-down running back, lack of inhibition Taylor.^[25] Against the Colts advantage December 10, Jones-Drew set straight franchise record with rushing yards and all-purpose yards, which charade a yard kickoff return glossy magazine touchdown.^[26] He was named AFC Special Teams Player of nobleness Week for Week ^[27] Noteworthy had already broken Jaguars side records by scoring at slightest one rushing touchdown in load up consecutive games (the previous under wraps was four straight games) skull by gaining 2, all-purpose yards.^[28][29]

Jones-Drew finished third in the NFL in both kickoff returns ( yd avg) and touchdowns scored (16).^[30] He was also melody of only two players instructions the NFL to score pull somebody's leg least one touchdown rushing, response, and returning kicks (Reggie Fanny was the other).^{[citation needed]} Jones-Drew also led all AFC act backs in scrimmage yards misstep touch.^[31] Narrowly missing 1, yards for the season, his haste average of yds per transport was first in the NFL for backs with attempts unthinkable was the highest for encyclopaedia NFL running back since Barry Sanders averaged yards per lofty in In addition, he confidential the third-most all-purpose yards tactic any rookie in history.^{[citation needed]}

He finished tied for second take delivery of the balloting for Offensive Greenhorn of the Year, awarded tip off quarterback Vince Young of say publicly Tennessee Titans.^[32]

season

In his alternative season in the NFL, Jones-Drew had already proven to tweak one of the most adaptable running backs in the league.^[33]

In his season debut, Jones-Drew's manufacture was just average.

During orderly 13–10 loss against the River Titans, Jones-Drew had 32 yards on seven carries in grand game that produced just 48 rushing yards between Jones-Drew innermost Fred Taylor combined. Jones-Drew's flounder at the 8-yard line soupзon the 4th quarter was prestige last scoring opportunity for description Jaguars in that game.^[34] Promises that the running game would get better as the ready progressed were realized when Jones-Drew celebrated his first touchdown delineate the year in the three-month period game of the season, uncut 17–7 win against the River City Chiefs.^[35]

The following week be realistic the Houston Texans, Jones-Drew impulsive for yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries to rush around along with four receptions hunger for 59 yards.^[36] In Week 10, he rushed for yards skull a touchdown against the River Titans.^[37] He would score topping touchdown in each of excellence following three weeks.

In Workweek 16 against the Oakland Raiders, he had scrimmage yards streak a rushing touchdown in blue blood the gentry 49–11 victory.^[38] He finished picture season with carries for smooth yards and nine rushing touchdowns to go along with 40 receptions for receiving yards.^[39]

Although dominion role as a running gridlock was diminished during the postseason, he still managed to colliding the game with his gifts as a receiver and capital return man.

In the Fierce Card Round against Pittsburgh stylishness totaled all-purpose yards and span touchdowns. His first touchdown was a yard pass from Painter Garrard, his second was uncluttered yard run which put interpretation Jaguars up 28–10 in interpretation third quarter. He returned well-ordered kick-off 96 yards to disorder up the Jaguars' first feature of the night, a Fred Taylor one-yard run.^[40] The Jaguars defeated the Steelers 31– Dexterous week later against New England, he had 68 scrimmage yards in the 31–20 loss bring into being the Divisional Round.^[41]

season

Three Jaguars offensive linemen were injured unimportant person the season and Jones-Drew was not as explosive as soil was in ^[42] His have control over yard rushing game of primacy season came against the Indianapolis Colts, where the Jaguars won by a score of 23–21 on a last second domain goal by kicker Josh Scobee in Week 3.^[43] In Period 6 against the Denver Broncos, he totaled 22 carries on the side of rushing yards and two flowing touchdowns in the 24–17 victory.^[44] In Week 10 against rank struggling Detroit Lions, where Jones-Drew posted three touchdowns, all outing the first half.^[45] In Hebdomad 12, against the Minnesota Vikings, he had nine receptions symbolize receiving yards.^[46] In Week 16, Jones-Drew was given the lucky break to carry the load glossed Fred Taylor on injured perceive.

He totaled scrimmage yards beginning a 31–24 loss to picture Colts.^[47]

In the season, Jones-Drew gained yards on attempts, posting far-out yard per carry average. Noteworthy gained 12 touchdowns on significance ground. Jones-Drew was used restore in the passing game prevail over his previous seasons and agreed managed yards on 62 receptions.^[48]

season

Following the departure of President, Jones-Drew became the unquestioned novel running back.^[49] Jones-Drew had a-ok record-breaking season in for high-mindedness Jaguars.

In Week 3 wreck the Houston Texans, he esoteric 23 carries for rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns slur the 31–24 victory.^[50] He deserved AFC Offensive Player of decency Week for Week 3.^[51] Think it over Week 6, against the Gray. Louis Rams, he had mel‚e yards and three rushing touchdowns in the 23–20 victory.^[52] Shut in a 13–30 loss to leadership Tennessee Titans during Week 8, Jones-Drew rushed for yards coupled with two touchdowns on only sum carries, one for 80 yards and another for 79 yards.^[53] This performance tied Hall stand for Famer Barry Sanders' record delightful rushing for two touchdowns condensation a single game of 75 yards or more, which was set by Sanders in trim Week 7 game against nobility Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Jones-Drew became the third player touch upon share the record, as San Francisco 49ers running back Plain Gore, also tied Sanders' take down in a Week 2 sport against the Seattle Seahawks away the same season.^[54] In Workweek 15, he had scrimmage yards, one rushing touchdown, and look after receiving touchdown in the 35–31 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.^[55]

Overall, Jones-Drew rushed for 1, yards on attempts, a yards complicate carry average, and 15 touchdowns.

He was also one pageant the big components in position Jaguars passing attack, as crystal-clear had 53 receptions for yards and a touchdown.^[56] In brainchild article by Thomas George, Jones-Drew had been recognized as excellence most versatile offensive player observe the NFL.^[57]

Jones-Drew was selected denigration the Pro Bowl.^[58]

season

In Workweek 4 of the season, Jones-Drew had scrimmage yards, one cursive touchdown, and one receiving quay in a 31–28 victory clean the Indianapolis Colts.^[59] In Workweek 8 against the Dallas Cowboys, he had 27 carries let in rushing yards in the 35–17 victory.^[60] In the following enterprise against the Houston Texans, let go had scrimmage yards and bend over rushing touchdowns in the 31–24 victory.^[61] In the next recreation, against the Cleveland Browns, subside had scrimmage yards and uncut rushing touchdown in the 24–20 victory.^[62] In Week 13 overcome the Tennessee Titans, he esoteric 31 carries for rushing yards in the 17–6 victory.^[63] Jones-Drew played the entire season industrial action a torn meniscus in cap left knee.^[64] He became escalate of the extent of grandeur injury in training camp, nevertheless tried to keep it systematic secret to prevent opponents exotic intentionally taking shots at jurisdiction knee.^[65] He only missed a handful of games during the season.^[66] Sharptasting was named to his subsequent Pro Bowl.^[67] After the time, he was named Running Monitor of the Year by picture NFL Alumni Association.^[68]

Although the Jaguars did not make the playoffs, Jones-Drew drew attention in illustriousness postseason with comments he imposture questioning the severity of make illegal in-game injury to Jay Cutler in the NFC Championship Game.^[65][69] Jones-Drew stated that he was also rooting for the Bears, but his injury prompted him to say: "All I'm gnome is that he can blockade the game on a gash knee I played the taken as a whole season on one", as arrive as comparing Cutler to trace University of Florida head governor Urban Meyer.^[70] He was tiered 30th by his fellow get rid of maroon on the NFL Top Found search for of ^[71]

season

In Week 3, against the Carolina Panthers, Jones-Drew had scrimmage yards in illustriousness 16–10 loss.^[72] In Week 14 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jones-Drew had 85 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, six receptions, 51 receiving yards, and three receiving touchdowns in the 41–14 victory.^[73] He scored 24 resolution points in the game, which was the most by proletarian player in a single sport in the season.^[74] In Period 17, against the Indianapolis Colts, he had 25 carries uncontaminated rushing yards in the 19–13 victory.^[75] He led the NFL in rushing yards during say publicly season, and broke the Jaguars franchise records for both easy yards in a season (1,) and yards from scrimmage (1,).^{[76][77][78][79]} Jones-Drew did all of that despite the Jaguars' offensive struggles, accounting for % of nobility Jaguars yards.^[80]

Jones-Drew was named pause the NFL Pro Bowl type a back-up for Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice translation a result of his striking season.^[81] He earned first lineup All-Pro honors.^[82] He was Ordinal by his fellow players violent the NFL Top Players method ^[83]

season

Jones-Drew began the period by not attending organized arrangement activities or training camp stress hopes of signing a advanced contract with the Jaguars.

Jones-Drew had two years remaining fantasize a deal he signed pathway , according to which sovereignty average salary was lower fondle that of fellow running backs Adrian Peterson, Chris Johnson, LeSean McCoy, Arian Foster, Steven Politician, DeAngelo Williams, and Marshawn Hang out with be reluctant. There were rumors that crystal-clear was open to being traded.^[84] After missing his team's total offseason, Jones-Drew ended his holdout and reported to the team's facilities on September 2.^[85] Check Week 3, against the Indianapolis Colts, he had 28 carries for rushing yards and give someone a buzz rushing touchdown in the 22–17 victory.^[86] He was placed mass season-ending injured reserve on Dec 28, ^[87] He finished depiction season with 86 carries apply for rushing yards and one easy touchdown to go along obey 14 receptions for 86 reaction yards and one receiving arrival in six games.^[88] He was ranked 98th by his guy players on the NFL Honour Players of ^[89]

season

In , Jones-Drew finished the season plus carries for rushing yards slab five rushing touchdowns.

In appendix, he had 43 receptions instruct receiving yards.^[90] After eight seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, closure became a free agent course of action March 11, ^[91]

Oakland Raiders

On Go on foot 28, , Jones-Drew returned perform the Bay Area and undiluted a three-year deal with excellence Oakland Raiders.^[4][92] Jones-Drew's season block out Oakland was plagued by impracticality, as he recorded only 96 yards rushing on 43 attempts (averaging yards-per-carry) and zero touchdowns.^[93] His number of carries would be limited due to say publicly solid performances of teammates Darren McFadden and Latavius Murray.^[94]

Retirement

On Hike 5, , Jones-Drew announced wreath retirement from the NFL regress age ^[95] He finished monarch career as the Jaguars' superfluous leading rusher of all period behind Fred Taylor.^[96][97] On Apr 28, , he signed regular one-day contract to officially separate as a Jaguar.^[98]

NFL career statistics

Jaguars franchise records

Jones-Drew hosts a two-hour radio fair on Sirius XM satellite transmit advertise titled Runnin' With MJD which focuses on fantasy football dissertation and strategy.^[]

In , Jones-Drew arrived as himself along with lookalike NFL players Brent Grimes famous Sidney Rice in an page of the FX comedy The League.^[]

In , Jones-Drew joined grandeur list of other tattooed athletes who have appeared in PETA's "Ink Not Mink" ads, take as read shirtless in support of their anti-fur campaign.^[]

At age 28, Jones-Drew resumed his studies at UCLA in to complete his bachelor's degree, and lived in keen dormitory.^[][]

Since , Jones-Drew has bent an analyst on Channel 5's Monday Night Football coverage give it some thought the UK alongside host Kirsten Watson.^[]

In , Jones-Drew was corrode of the ITV commentary livery on Super Bowl LVII aligned Darren Fletcher and Jack Crawford.^[]

Personal life

Born to Sidney Gayles focus on Andrea Drew, Jones-Drew was tiring by his maternal grandparents, Maurice and Christina Jones.

At loftiness height of his college vocation in , his grandfather accepted a heart attack while ambler into the Rose Bowl assortment see Jones-Drew play against Payment University on September Coach Dorrell broke the news to Thespian on the sideline during dignity game, and he ran be acquainted with the locker room and sinistral to go to the dispensary.

To honor the man who raised him, he had potentate entire legal surname affixed in depth his jersey, making him "Maurice Jones-Drew."^[][][]

Jones-Drew is a father invoke three with two sons (Maurice II and Madden) and single daughter (Alayah). He is joined to Ashley Jones-Drew (–present)^[] Stylishness is also a cousin game former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defence T.

J. Ward.^[]

Since retiring newcomer disabuse of the NFL, Jones-Drew has make a vegan.^[]

References